Grilled chicken

Grilled Marinated Chicken Thighs – A Delicious Recipe for a Memorable Meal

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 8 hours
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 8 hours 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Introduction
Grilled chicken thighs are a classic dish that combines the intense flavor of chicken with a refined mix of spices and herbs. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also transform a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Marinated in beer, this dish becomes juicy and full of flavor, while the grill gives them an irresistible crispy crust.

Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs (preferably with skin, to retain juiciness)
- 1 red bell pepper (or green, depending on preference)
- For the marinade:
- 500 ml beer (choose a beer with a rich flavor for an intense taste)
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary (or fresh, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon granulated spices (e.g., grill spices, paprika, or a herb mix)

Preparation Technique
1. Preparing the chicken thighs:
Start by cleaning and washing the chicken thighs well. This is an important step to remove any impurities. Once washed, cut each thigh in half along the bone. Use a sharp knife to make precise cuts. Make a few incisions on the surface of the meat to allow the marinade to penetrate better.

2. Preparing the marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the beer, crushed garlic (you can use a garlic press or simply the flat side of a knife), thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and granulated spices. Mix the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous marinade. The beer will not only provide moisture but also help tenderize the meat.

3. Marinating the thighs:
Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring all parts are evenly covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge for 8 hours (or overnight, if you have time). This step is essential to allow the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat well.

4. Preparing for grilling:
After the 8 hours of marinating, take the thighs out of the fridge and let them reach room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step will help the meat cook evenly on the grill. Before placing them on the grill, fill the incisions with a slice of garlic and pieces of bell pepper for added flavor and a colorful presentation.

5. Grilling:
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and let them cook for 15-20 minutes on each side, turning them twice. Use a brush to baste the thighs with marinade to maintain juiciness. Check if they are well cooked by piercing the meat with a knife; the juices should run clear, without traces of blood.

6. Serving:
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This step will allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy. Serve the chicken thighs alongside a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of baked potatoes. Balsamic vinegar or yogurt sauce with mint pairs perfectly as a dressing.

Helpful Tips
- Choosing the beer: A blonde beer or a brown beer can add different flavor nuances. Avoid overly bitter beers, which might affect the final taste.
- Marinade varieties: You can experiment by adding soy sauce, honey, or lemon to the marinade for a sweet-sour note.
- Oven cooking: If you don’t have a grill, these thighs can be baked in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 45 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Nutritional Benefits
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle development and overall health. They also contain B vitamins, which aid in energy metabolism. When cooked with herbs and spices, the antioxidant intake increases, providing additional health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. Make sure not to overcook to avoid drying out the meat.
2. What are the best sides for grilled thighs?
Fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or mashed potatoes are excellent choices.
3. Can I marinate the thighs for more than 8 hours?
It is recommended not to exceed 12 hours, as the marinade can make the meat too soft.

Personal Note
This grilled chicken thigh recipe is a pleasant childhood memory when my family would gather around the grill every weekend. With every bite, I am transported back to those moments of joy and camaraderie. I encourage you to share this recipe with your loved ones and create unforgettable memories around the table. Enjoy your meal!