Barbecue chicken thighs take on a delicious Persian twist with a quick, all-natural marinade. A simple tomato-avocado salata (salad) tops it. Fire up the grill for this easy, unfussy recipe!
This recipe is brought to you in partnership with Wild Garden. All opinions are my own.
During warmer months--which are plenty here in the south--nothing gets more use than our little Weber.
And for me, a self-confessed grilling novice, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a safe place. In fact, they're top of my favorite-to-grill list. While they offer the benefits of boneless chicken breasts--convenience and fast cooking--there is almost zero chance of drying them up. Good news!
Today's barbecue chicken thighs recipe takes on a delicious Persian twist. And if we were to compile a list of "ridiculously easy recipes," this one would likely make the top!
Here, I reached for one of my favorite new finds, this healthy, all-natural Persian marinade from Wild Garden. This is a delicious, velvety, thick marinade with fragrant Persian notes including citrus, garlic, sumac, and fennel!
All there is to do is pour the marinade to coat the chicken. And if you don't have time, you can absolutely throw the chicken on the grill immediately. No need to marinate for hours!
What to serve with Persian Barbecue Chicken Thighs
To serve, I like topping the barbecue chicken thighs with a quick, citrusy tomato and avocado salata (salad). Add a side of warm pita bread and some homemade Tzatziki sauce!
If you're up for more, here are a few favorite sides: roasted red pepper hummus; baba ganoush; fattoush salad; couscous salad; or one of Wild Garden's heat-and-serve pilafs.
Easy Persian-Style Barbecue Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 pieces 1x
Description
Barbecue chicken thighs take on a delicious Persian twist with a quick, all-natural marinade. A simple tomato-avocado salata (salad) tops it. Fire up the grill for this easy, unfussy recipe!
Ingredients
For Chicken
- 8-10 boneless and skinless chicken thighs (Or about 1.5 lb to 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken pieces of similar size)
- 1 6-oz package Wild Garden Persian Quick Marinade
For Tomato Avocado Salata (salad)
- 1 green pepper, cored, chopped
- 1 ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Big handful basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and place in a wide deep dish. Pour in the Wild Garden Persian marinade. Coat the chicken completely with the marinade. Set aside at room temperature for 15 minutes or so.
- Meanwhile, lightly oil your outdoor grill grates and preheat. You'll want the grill to be very hot.
- Once the grill is ready, lay the chicken down on the grill grates. Close the lid, and leave the thighs alone for 3 - 4 minutes. Turn the thighs over, and you should see the cooked side nicely seared, with dark grill marks. Allow the second side to cook for another 3 – 4 minutes with the lid closed. The thighs should be cooked through (to be sure, use an instant read meat thermometer. Internal temp should be between 165 degrees F and 170 degrees F). Remove from heat and place on a serving platter to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- In the meantime, prepare the tomato avocado salata. Place all the salata ingredients (except the basil) in a medium bowl. Toss gently to combine. Add the basil and give it one more toss.
- Top the chicken with the tomato avocado salata, and add warm pita bread for an easy side! Enjoy!
Notes
- To find Wild Garden marinades at a store near you, click here for the store locator.
- In case you need to feed a larger crowd, the Wild Garden marinade can cover up to 3 lb of boneless chicken thighs. And you can simply double the salata recipe.
- See suggested sides and salads in the post under "what to serve with Persian Barbecue Chicken Thighs."
- Recommended for the salad Early Harvest extra virgin olive oil
- Visit our store to browse our spices, olive oils and bundles!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Category: Entree
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/Persian
This post is brought to you in partnership with Wild Garden. To learn about Wild Garden Taste of The Mediterranean Products, go here. To locate a store near you, go here; or purchase online here.
Enjoy these tasty dishes:
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken and Dill Greek Yogurt Sauce
One Pot Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice
Mediterranean-Style Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad
Absolutely the most delicious chicken I’ve ever made !
Awesome!! Glad you liked it!
Hi suz
I hope you are well
Can this be made in the oven ?? I don’t have a grill. If so how long in the oven do I have to leave it? What temperature? Do I cover the pot with foil or no? Thanks a lot
Hi, Moni! Sure, you can try the oven. Here is another recipe in which we roast boneless thighs, with the exception of the marinade of course, you can follow this recipe for guidance on using the oven: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/garlic-dijon-chicken-recipe/
WOULD YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT IS IN THE MARINADE (I'M IN AUSTRALIA) AS I WILL HAVE TO MAKE IT FROM SCRATCH. THANKS
Hi there, I'd recommend trying this grilled chicken recipe with a similar marinade that you can make yourself at home: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/mediterranean-grilled-chicken-dill-greek-yogurt-sauce/
I made this today and it was SO good! Since I had time, I put t the chicken in the marinade in the morning. I made the salsa and Tzatziki sauce too. I served it with warm naan bread and rice. This will definitely be in our dinner rotation!
Sue, so so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to share!
I’m fixing it this weekend for family I have wanted to try something cool and tasty and this recipe has everything that we enjoy and so easy to prepare . Most of the time I spend my time cooking never visiting with the children and grandkids . Can’t wait to try
Enjoy, Linda! So glad to hear you'll be spending more time with the family...that's the goal, eh?!
Can you put a list of what ingredients are in the Persian marinade packet as we don't have that in UK?
Many thanks, this recipe looks lovely and easy, so I'm hoping I can make it 🙂
Hi Kim, listed within the post are the ingredients I'm able to share. But if you're looking for similar flavors where you can make your own amazing marinade, try this recipe: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/mediterranean-grilled-chicken-dill-greek-yogurt-sauce/
I made this. Excellent. Making again next week
Awesome, Michael! Glad you enjoyed it!!!
Can we do these in the oven?
Sure! Bake in 425F heated-oven for about 20 minutes or so (the internal temp of the chicken should be 165 degrees F when done).
Oh, Ma! Your recipe looks so delicious! Barbecue chicken thighs with tomato sound awesome. I can not wait to make one.
Thanks, Brady! Enjoy!
Oh, Ma! Your recipe looks so delicious. I can not wait to make one.
Enjoy!
This is so perfect for Memorial Day weekend! Love the flavors here.
Oh so much flavor! Thanks Ashley!
I love the colors and the flavors of this dish, it is perfect for a nice dinner among friends! Looking forward to give a Persian twist to my next chicken night 🙂
You're right! This is a great one for a crowd of friends and family. Hope you enjoy it 1
What a fabulously convenient marinade, I adore sumac, so I can't wait to try it.
Sumac is a secret spice, I think! So good! Can't wait to hear once you try it.
Oh my goodness these photos are stunning and this recipe sounds incredible!
Thanks so much, Cricket! Hope you'll give this a try!
Yum! I love the pop of color from the tomatoes and avocado on these Persian barbecue chicken thighs! Do you think the marinade would work well on chicken breasts as well? If so, I'll have to pick some up!
Absolutely, Rebecca! This marinade works on any protein of your choice, chicken thighs/breasts, meat, or even fish. It's a great one!
I cook chicken all the time, but I've never made it Persian-style before. Definitely going to give this seasoning a try!
Awesome, Nicola! This is so simple, and I know you'll love the flavors!