Keto Chicken Thighs Recipe with Healthy Chicken Marinade!
The BEST keto chicken thighs recipe featuring a delicious chicken thigh marinade that is so simple! Perfect for family gatherings, summer BBQs, and more!
This post was originally published on June 15, 2020 and updated with new photos and copy on April 27, 2022.
What Makes This Recipe Work
I cannot get enough of this grilled keto chicken thighs recipe! It has the most delicious chicken thigh marinade that needed a spot on the blog! This healthy chicken marinade is the same sauce from my infamous Sausage, Potato, and Broccoli Sheet Pan Supper, and it tastes amazing on EVERYTHING!
You could use it as a marinade for any type of meat, but I have personally been loving these chicken thighs. This recipe is perfect to have on hand as the weather warms up and fun outdoor gatherings begin! Get that grill started, you’re going to need it!
How to Make This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- 6-8 Chicken Thighs: I prefer organic when possible. Skin on/ bone-in work well to maintain maximum flavor, but you can also grill boneless chicken thighs if you prefer (see alternative cooking instructions below). Regular chicken breasts will work, as well!
Chicken Thigh Marinade
- Olive Oil: You can also use Avocado oil if preferred.
- Coconut Aminos: You can find these at Thrive Market, Trader Joe’s, and other grocery stores! This soy sauce alternative keeps this chicken thigh marinade Whole30 compliant!
- Frank’s Red Hot: Use more or less depending on your desired spice level.
- Minced Garlic: Use fresh cloves to mince, or a jar of minced garlic- your choice!
- Dijon Mustard: There are so many great brands- use your favorite!
- Spices: Salt, Crushed Red Pepper, Onion Powder
Step by Step
- Combine all of the healthy chicken marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. Pour the chicken thigh marinade over the chicken thighs in a large baking dish or zip-lock plastic bag. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat your grill over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the grill, skin side up, and discard any remaining marinade. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then flip again. Continue this pattern, flipping back and forth until they have been cooking for 25 minutes or reach an internal temperature of 175.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
How to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs
If you prefer to grill boneless chicken thighs instead, the cooking time with change a bit. Follow these instructions to make the perfect chicken!
- Follow the same prep instructions for the chicken thigh marinade.
- Grill boneless chicken thighs on medium heat for 7-10 mins on each side until they reach 165 F.
Mary’s Tips & Tricks
How to Serve this Keto Chicken Thighs Recipe
If you’re Whole30, you can serve them with my crispy roasted potatoes and a veggie kabob!
If you’re keto, take a look at these delicious low carb sides:
Thyme Roasted Radishes & Onions
Lemony Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
How to Store Leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or grill.
FAQs
I’ve found it works best to cook them over medium-high heat for about 25 minutes total. You want the internal temperature to be at least 175 degrees. I cook them for 5 minutes, flip, 5 more minutes, flip, and keep going until the 25-minute mark. They turn out juicy and delicious every time!
Simply grill them over medium heat for 7-10 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165!
More Favorite Recipes
Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon Caper Butter
Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers Skillet
Keto Chicken Thighs Recipe with Healthy Chicken Marinade!
Ingredients
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Frank's Red Hot, or hot sauce of choice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all of the healthy chicken marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. Pour the chicken thigh marinade over the chicken thighs in a large baking dish or zip-lock plastic bag. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat your grill over medium high heat. Add the chicken to the grill, skin side up, and discard any remaining chicken thigh marinade. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then flip again. Continue this pattern, flipping back and forth, until they have been cooking for 25 minutes or reach an internal temperature of 175.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
To Make These In The Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes for bone-in, skin-on, or 25-30 minutes for boneless. Keep an eye on them – the internal temp should be at least 165 degrees. Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Follow the same prep instructions for the chicken thigh marinade.
- Grill boneless chicken thighs on medium heat for 7-10 mins on each side until they reach 165 F.
80 Comments on “Keto Chicken Thighs Recipe with Healthy Chicken Marinade!”
These are amazing! And so easy to make too. I make them on the cast iron inside too when the grill isn’t an option.
Thanks Maggie!!
The best chicken marinade, hands down. Everyone in the family will eat it! In the weekly rotation.
Thank you, Natalie!
The best chicken marinade, hands down. Everyone in the family will eat it! In the weekly rotation.
The best marinade! Everyone in the family loves this, and it’s officially on the regular rotation. So good!
Thanks Kate!
Omg I forgot to 5 star rate my last rating but I’m serious this is the last chicken marinade recipe you need to try
Thanks Katie!!
No other marinade recipe is needed for grilled chicken
I am the worst for forgetting to 5 star rate this recipe 😭
LOVE this marinade!!! So good on the grilled chicken thighs! I have used it on pork chops too.
Thank you!!
These are the absolute best! They made me a chicken thigh fan. My husband now requests them weekly 🙂
Thanks Erin!
Hit every time!! Go-to summer grilling recipe and i always get asked for the recipe. I used this marinade on steak bites before I threw them on the blackstone and they were amazing too.
yay for grilling season! Thanks Katie!
This chicken has been on our weekly rotation for a while now. We had some mushrooms the other night and threw them in to marinate with the chicken, then baked it all in a baking dish.. so good!!! A family favorite for sure!!
So glad you love it, thanks Shelly!
I just used this recipe to test out my air fryer for the first time. I used drumsticks instead of thighs and they are AMAZING! I used the excess marinade to season my veggies (broccoli and Brussels sprouts) and air fried those as well. So so good. Juicy chicken and just a hint of kick. YUM!
Thanks Meaghan!
Excellent! I was in the mood for grilled chicken thighs and a new recipe. I found this one that sounded good and it hit the mark! Both Hubby and I were making num-num sounds as we ate it and we agreed this is a 5-star recipe. It will definitely be on repeat! Thank you!
Thanks Sharon!
Forgot to add the 5 stars…
Literally the only way we have made grilled chicken for the last year. I have memorized the recipe because of how often we make this. With the herb roasted potatoes and some zucchini with paprika it’s easily the best week night summer meal.
Literally the only way we have made grilled chicken for the last year. I have memorized the recipe because of how often we make this. With the herb roasted potatoes and some zucchini with paprika it’s easily the best week night summer meal.
New, favorite marinade for chicken on the grill. Amazing flavor! Thanks for sharing!!
Just made these today. I didn’t have a grill so I ended up making them in the oven on a cookie sheet. All I have to say is I’m making these for all my company when they come over! What an awesome and easy recipe!
This is an amazing recipe. We have made it twice. The chicken is so juicy and has the best flavour. Thanks, this will be on the top of our barbecue list.
In my summer rotation regularly. Love this one!