The Best Grilled Chicken - 3 Easy Recipes!

The Best Grilled Chicken - 3 Easy Recipes! is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $29.33 total, $2.44 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 pieces Chicken Thighs (bone‑in, skinless, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (crushed)
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2.5 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 0.5 cup Onion (finely chopped)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced; divided among marinades)
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 3 tbsp Avocado Oil (divided between marinades)
  • 6 oz Light Beer (half a 12‑oz bottle, any lager works)
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt (full‑fat, thick)
  • 1 tsp Sriracha
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro (finely diced)
  • 4 tbsp Lemon Juice (juice of 2 lemons, divided)
  • 2 tsp Curry Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 cup Flat‑Leaf Parsley (packed, stems removed)
  • 0.25 cup Oregano Leaves (fresh, packed)
  • 0.5 piece Jalapeno (seeded and roughly chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 2/3 cup Olive Oil (about 160 ml)
  • 0.5 tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 spray Avocado Oil Spray (for greasing grill)

Instructions

  1. Trim and Score Chicken

    Remove any remaining fat from the thighs. Using a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts on the surface of each thigh to create craggy edges that will hold more marinade.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Portion Chicken into Bags

    Place four thighs into each of three large Ziploc bags, labeling them for the three different marinades.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Prepare Sweet‑Spicy Beer Marinade

    In a mixing bowl combine crushed black pepper, cayenne, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, chopped onion, minced garlic, honey, avocado oil, and 6 oz of light beer. Stir until honey dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare Yogurt Curry Marinade

    In a second bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, avocado oil, sriracha, diced cilantro, lemon juice, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of kosher salt until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Prepare Chimichurri

    Pulse garlic in the food processor, then add parsley, oregano, jalapeno, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Process until a smooth, slightly thick sauce forms.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Marinate the Chicken

    Pour the sweet‑spicy beer mixture into the first bag, the yogurt‑curry mixture into the second, and the chimichurri into the third. Seal each bag and massage the thighs so the sauce coats all surfaces. Reserve about 1 tbsp of each sauce for basting later.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Refrigerate to Marinate

    Place the bags in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours (up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).

    Time: PT30M

  8. Preheat Grill

    Heat the grill to medium‑high, about 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray the grill grates with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Bring Chicken to Room Temperature

    Remove the bags from the fridge and let the thighs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while the grill finishes heating.

    Time: PT30M

  10. Grill the Chicken – First Side

    Place the thighs presentation side (the side with the cuts) down on the grill. Cook for 6–7 minutes, watching for good grill marks.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: 400°F

  11. Flip and Baste

    Flip each thigh, brush the reserved sauce from its bag onto the cooked side, and continue grilling for another 6–7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 400°F

  12. Rest and Serve

    Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each set of four thighs with a drizzle of its reserved sauce.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Contains Dairy

Allergens: Honey, Dairy (Greek yogurt), Garlic

Last updated: March 25, 2026

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The Best Grilled Chicken - 3 Easy Recipes!

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

Learn how to make three deliciously different marinades – a sweet‑spicy beer glaze, a tangy yogurt‑curry blend, and a vibrant chimichurri – and grill them on chicken thighs for a flavorful summer feast.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 8m
Prep
55m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$29.33
Total cost
$2.44
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Scoring the chicken thighs to create surface edges for better absorption
  • Ensuring each marinade fully coats the thighs before sealing
  • Grilling to proper internal temperature (165°F) without overcooking

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly.
  • Avoid cross‑contamination between raw chicken and ready‑to‑eat sauces.
  • Be cautious of flare‑ups on the grill; keep a spray bottle of water nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of grilled chicken thighs with marinades in American barbecue cuisine?

A

Grilled chicken thighs have long been a staple of American backyard barbecues, offering juicy dark meat that stays moist over high heat. Marinades like sweet‑spicy beer glazes, yogurt‑curry blends, and chimichurri reflect the multicultural influences—German lager traditions, South Asian spice blends, and Argentine herb sauces—that have merged into modern American grilling.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken thigh marinades in American cuisine?

A

In the Southern United States, chicken is often marinated in buttermilk or hot sauce. In the Southwest, lime‑citrus and chipotle are common. The three marinades in this recipe showcase a Mid‑west beer glaze, a fusion Indian‑inspired yogurt‑curry, and a Latin‑American chimichurri, each representing a regional twist on grilled chicken.

cultural
Q

How is grilled chicken traditionally served in American backyard gatherings?

A

Grilled chicken thighs are typically served hot off the grill, often with a side of coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. The sauces—beer glaze, yogurt‑curry, or chimichurri—can be drizzled over the meat or served on the side for guests to add as they like.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is grilled chicken with marinades traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Grilled chicken is a go‑to dish for Fourth of July picnics, summer barbecues, family reunions, and casual weekend gatherings. The variety of marinades lets hosts offer multiple flavor profiles for the same event, pleasing a wide range of guests.

cultural
Q

What makes the three‑marinade approach special in American grilling tradition?

A

Offering three distinct marinades on the same protein showcases the American love for variety and experimentation. It allows diners to compare sweet‑spicy, tangy‑creamy, and herb‑forward flavors side‑by‑side, turning a simple chicken dinner into a tasting experience.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the three marinades for grilled chicken thighs?

A

Common errors include over‑marinating (which can make the meat mushy), not scoring the thighs (reducing flavor absorption), and grilling at too high a heat causing burnt edges before the interior reaches 165°F. Also, avoid cross‑contamination by using separate tongs for each bag.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a beer‑based sweet‑spicy glaze instead of a traditional BBQ sauce?

A

Beer adds a subtle malt sweetness and carbonation that helps tenderize the meat while keeping the glaze light. The combination of honey and spices creates a balanced sweet‑spicy profile that differs from the heavier, tomato‑based BBQ sauces.

technical
Q

Can I make the chimichurri ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare the chimichurri up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld and become more vibrant. Bring it to room temperature before using it as a glaze or side sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specializes in approachable, high‑energy cooking tutorials that focus on grilling, outdoor cooking, and creative flavor combinations for everyday home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY's approach to American grilling differ from other cooking channels?

A

SAM THE COOKING GUY emphasizes quick, fun experiments like using three different marinades on the same protein, often incorporating unexpected ingredients such as beer or yogurt. His style blends humor with clear step‑by‑step visuals, making complex flavor ideas feel accessible.

channel

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