Grilled Spiced Chicken Thighs with Pickled Red Onion
Juicy, smoky grilled chicken thighs marinated in a bold blend of spices, topped with tangy pickled red onions and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer grilling, weeknight dinners, or flavorful meal prep.
- Author: Djihane
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Meanwhile, mix red onion slices with vinegar and sugar in a small bowl. Let sit to pickle while the chicken marinates.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Grill chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Transfer to a serving plate, top with drained pickled red onions, and garnish with chopped herbs.
- Serve with rice, flatbread, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
- Pickled onions can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and can be served hot or cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 thighs
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, spiced chicken, pickled onion, halal chicken recipe, summer grilling