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Grilled Buttermilk and Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in tangy buttermilk and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection for a flavorful and tender dinner option.

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Grilled Buttermilk and Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs
Prep time20 min
Cook time16 min
Rest / other5 min
Total time41 min
Servings4Serves 4
DifficultyMedium
What you’ll need

Ingredients

Check ingredients as you go.

  • Main
  • Marinade
  • Seasoning
One step at a time

Let’s make it

  1. Marinade

    In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the marinade.

  2. Marinade

    Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours for best flavor and tenderness.

  3. Grilling

    Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 204°C). Meanwhile, remove chicken thighs from marinade and let excess drip off. Brush chicken lightly with olive oil and season both sides with remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

  4. Grilling

    Place chicken thighs skin side down on the hot grill. Grill covered for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is crisp and grill marks form. Flip and grill the other side for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.

  5. Finishing

    Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps juices redistribute for moist, tender meat.

A little kitchen wisdom

Tips & notes

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for up to 2 hours but no longer to avoid overly soft texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness. Letting the grilled thighs rest before serving makes them moister.

Saving it for later

Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality. Do not leave at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

Reheating

Reheat chicken thighs gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to keep moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave on medium power, covered, stirring halfway to avoid drying out.

ChickenDinnerComfort FoodFamily DinnerAmerican