Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

AmericanAuthentic Cuisine

American Grilled Chicken Thighs

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

American Grilled Chicken Thighs

American Grilled Chicken Thighs bring the essence of a casual backyard gathering to your kitchen, where simplicity shines. This dish captures the spirit of home-cooked meals across the country, relying on intuitive measures and the generous use of fat. It's a recipe that mirrors the informality and warmth of American family dinners, offering a taste that's as genuine as a handwritten note passed down through generations.

Juicy and tender, these chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy blend of yogurt and paprika, creating a rich flavor profile with a hint of smokiness. The seasoning is straightforward, with fine sea salt and black pepper balanced to personal preference, allowing the natural flavors to shine. This dish invites you to savor each bite, just as it was intended—shared among friends and loved ones, with everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

  • 800 gchicken thighs
  • 2 tbspyogurt
  • 1 tbspoil
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Start by patting 800 g of chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the chicken brown better. Season both sides of the chicken generously with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle 1 tsp of paprika evenly over the thighs for a smoky flavor.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down if applicable. Allow them to brown undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until the skin is golden and releases easily from the pan. Flip the thighs and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
  3. While the chicken is browning, mix 2 tbsp of yogurt with a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This will add a tangy richness to the dish later.
  4. Once the chicken is browned on both sides, reduce the heat to medium. Add the yogurt mixture to the pan, spooning it over the chicken thighs. Stir gently to combine the yogurt with the pan juices, creating a creamy sauce.
  5. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. The thighs should feel firm to the touch, and the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.
  6. If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, over the chicken for a burst of freshness. Serve the chicken thighs hot, with the sauce spooned over them, ready for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore American cuisine