Green Goddess Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

Q: Can I substitute chicken breasts?

You can , but thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier. If you go with breasts, pound them to an even thickness and grill a bit less.

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge at 5:47 p.m., wondering what on earth to make for dinner (again), these grilled boneless chicken thighs are about to become your new weeknight superhero. They’re juicy, bursting with herbaceous flavor, and slathered in a dreamy green goddess marinade that’s basically summer in a bowl. Trust me—this dish is the kind of easy, crowd-pleasing magic that’ll have you looking like a backyard BBQ pro, even if you’re still wearing your work-from-home leggings.

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

Here’s the deal: boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of weeknight dinners. They cook quickly, stay juicy even if you forget them on the grill for an extra minute (we’ve all been there), and they soak up marinades like a sponge on a mission.

Add to that a tangy, herb-packed green goddess sauce with creamy mayo and a whisper of honey? Let’s just say your grilled chicken game is about to level up big time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (go for air-chilled if possible—better flavor and a gorgeous sear)

Green Goddess Marinade & Sauce:

Fresh herbs: chives, basil, parsley, dill (feel free to mix/match based on what’s in your fridge or garden)
Garlic cloves (fresh = best)
Distilled white vinegar and/or lemon juice (I like to use a combo for balance)
High-quality extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
Mayonnaise (Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Mayo from Costco is a fave)
Honey (or maple syrup/white sugar—whatever you’ve got on hand)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

1. Blend That Green Goodness

Toss all the marinade ingredients except the oil into a tall container (if you’re using an immersion blender) or your trusty food processor. Blend until those herbs are no longer recognizable (a good thing, promise). Slowly drizzle in the oil while blending, until you’ve got a smooth, creamy marinade that smells like a garden vacation.

→ Set aside half for serving and use about ⅓–½ cup for marinating the chicken.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade, making sure every piece gets some love. Let it hang out in the fridge for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better if you’ve got the time. (Pro tip: marinating in a bag gets you that full-coverage magic without playing Chicken Tetris in a casserole dish.)

3. Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to 400°F. Take the chicken out of the fridge about 10 minutes before grilling. Give the grates a good cleaning and a swipe of oil (hello, perfect grill marks!).

Shake off the extra marinade, then place those beauties on the grill. Cover and grill for 5–6 minutes on the first side.

4. Flip and Finish

Flip the thighs and grill for another 4–5 minutes, or until they hit an internal temp of 165°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes (this part matters—juices need time to chill out and redistribute). Then, drizzle with the remaining green goddess sauce and serve!

Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs

Don’t skip the resting time. It’s the difference between juicy and dry.
Air-chilled chicken really does sear better—less sogginess, more crispiness.
Marinade hack: If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes in the marinade will still add flavor—just don’t skip it altogether!
Grill-safe tip: Watch for flare-ups, especially with oil-heavy marinades. Keep a squirt bottle of water handy (or wine for yourself—no judgment).

A Little Kitchen Story

I first made these grilled boneless chicken thighs for a casual summer get-together when I didn’t want to be stuck in the kitchen. The grill did most of the work while I sipped lemonade and dodged Nerf darts in the backyard. By the end of the evening, everyone was asking for the recipe—and I’ve been making them on repeat ever since.

Grilled boneless chicken thighs topped with green goddess sauce, charred to perfection on a baking sheet. — Flavor-packed grilled boneless chicken thighs drizzled with a vibrant green goddess sauce—your new favorite summer recipe!

FAQs About Grilled boneless chicken thighs

Can I substitute chicken breasts?

You can, but thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier. If you go with breasts, pound them to an even thickness and grill a bit less.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re amazing chopped into salads or wraps the next day.

Can I make the green goddess sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Just make sure your mayo is dairy-free (most are) and skip any add-ins like yogurt or sour cream.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Use what you’ve got—dried herbs can work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite as fresh. A splash of pesto can also substitute in the marinade if you’re in a bind.

Bring It All Together

Grilled boneless chicken thighs are more than just a dinner—they’re a delicious solution to those “what do I make tonight?” dilemmas. Easy to prep, ridiculously flavorful, and always a hit with picky eaters (hi, kiddos), this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again.

So next time the weather’s nice—or you just want something that tastes like sunshine—grab those chicken thighs, blend up that dreamy sauce, and let the grill do the rest. Your dinner table (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Keep the Flavor Going: More Grilled and Saucy Chicken Dishes to Try

If you loved these grilled boneless chicken thighs and want to keep the flavor train rolling, I’ve got a few more irresistible chicken recipes you need to check out. Whether you’re craving something sweet, smoky, or herby, these recipes will totally hit the spot and make your weekly meal planning so much easier (and tastier!).

For another vibrant grilled option that screams summer, try these grilled honey mustard chicken with peach salad. It’s the perfect sweet-and-savory balance, especially if you’re all about fresh and juicy flavors on the grill.
Looking for something quick to pack up for lunch tomorrow? You’ll love this easy honey mustard chicken wrap—super portable, kid-approved, and made with pantry staples.
If you’re in the mood for a sizzling showstopper with bold hibachi flair, don’t miss out on the Blackstone griddle hibachi chicken feast. It’s a must for teppanyaki fans and backyard grill masters alike.
And if you want to stay on the green goddess theme with a Mediterranean twist, the Greek stuffed pepper with tzatziki will feel like a mini-vacation for your taste buds—herbs, sauce, and all the cozy vibes.

Explore more and let your grill (and creativity) shine!