Description
Succulent Kentucky Grilled Chicken delivers a bold, smoky flavor that elevates summer barbecue nights. Lean protein and zesty spices create a mouthwatering meal perfect for health-conscious grill masters seeking delicious comfort without guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Tabasco)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Dry Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Grilling Preparation:
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the grill)
Instructions
- Whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to create a vibrant marinade with complex flavor profiles.
- Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Prepare seasoned flour mixture by combining flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Blend spices thoroughly for uniform distribution.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling to reach room temperature. Preheat grill to medium-high heat around 400°F.
- Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Drain chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Dredge each chicken thigh completely in seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Position chicken skin-side down on preheated grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken and continue grilling for additional 5-6 minutes. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Optional: Baste chicken with olive oil or melted butter during grilling for enhanced moisture and richness.
- Transfer grilled chicken to serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
- Accompany with complementary sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
- Try alternative marinades like yogurt or buttermilk alternatives for lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive individuals, maintaining the tenderizing effect.
- Prep Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg