Marinated Blackstone Chicken Thighs

Marinated Blackstone Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare using a griddle or grill. With a vibrant herb marinade made from parsley, scallions, garlic, and a tangy vinegar-oil blend, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or meal prep. The high heat of the Blackstone griddle creates a beautiful sear while keeping the chicken tender and moist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Griddle perfection: The Blackstone’s flat top sears the chicken beautifully while locking in moisture.

• Bold flavor: A herby, garlicky marinade infuses each bite with fresh, tangy flavor.

• Quick cook time: Ready in just 25 minutes, plus marinating time.

• Versatile cooking methods: Easily adaptable to outdoor grills if you don’t have a griddle.

• Meal prep-friendly: Make ahead, refrigerate, and reheat easily for busy weekdays.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• parsley, coarsely chopped

• scallion tops

• garlic, minced

• avocado oil

• red vinegar

• salt

• freshly ground black pepper

• boneless skinless chicken thighs

• oil (for the griddle or grill)

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine parsley, scallions, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.

2. Add avocado oil, red vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until the marinade is well combined.

3. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade and divide it into two containers (2 tablespoons each).

4. Marinate the chicken thighs with the remaining marinade in a covered dish or bag in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours.

5. For Blackstone Griddle:

   • Preheat one side to medium-high (about 450°F) and the other to low.

   • Place the chicken on the hot side. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and brush with one of the reserved sauces. Cook another 4 minutes.

   • Move chicken to the cooler side and cook for another 5 minutes, or until an internal temp of 160°F is reached.

6. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes (the temperature will rise to the safe 165°F).

7. Serve with the remaining reserved sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (+ 2–4 hours marinating)

Variations

• Add citrus: Swap red vinegar with lemon juice or lime juice for a citrusy twist.

• Use different herbs: Try basil, cilantro, or oregano in place of parsley for new flavor profiles.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a jalapeño to the marinade.

• Try it with breasts: Use boneless chicken breasts; just adjust cook time slightly.

• Pan option: If you don’t have a griddle or grill, pan-sear the chicken on medium-high heat in a cast iron skillet.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in short bursts.
You can also freeze marinated raw chicken (without the reserved sauce) for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be mindful of the cooking time. Breasts can dry out faster, so watch the internal temp closely.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours for best flavor, but no more than 4 to avoid over-marination from the vinegar.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

Finely chop the herbs and garlic by hand and whisk everything together in a bowl.

Can I make this marinade ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just don’t mix it with the chicken until ready to marinate.

Is avocado oil necessary?

It’s preferred for its high smoke point, especially on the griddle, but olive oil can be used as a substitute.

Do I have to save part of the marinade?

Yes. Reserving some marinade separately prevents cross-contamination and gives you fresh sauce for serving.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should reach 160°F before resting and rise to 165°F while resting.

Can I cook this indoors?

Absolutely. A stovetop griddle or cast-iron skillet works great if you don’t have an outdoor Blackstone.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with rice, grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or even stuffed into wraps and sandwiches.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels on vinegar and oil brands to be safe.

Conclusion

Marinated Blackstone Chicken Thighs are a fast, flavorful, and foolproof way to serve up juicy chicken every time. The fresh herb marinade, simple cooking method, and versatility of this recipe make it perfect for both casual dinners and entertaining guests. Whether you’re a griddle pro or a grill enthusiast, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.