Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe – Cayenne & Cumin Flavors

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe – Cayenne & Cumin Flavors

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. These spicy grilled chicken thighs are exactly that. I first made these when I was craving something with a bit of a kick, and they’ve become a regular in my rotation ever since. The combination of cayenne and cumin is just… wow. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is super easy, ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with incredible flavor. The marinade is a game-changer, infusing the chicken with warmth and a delightful spicy zing. Plus, grilling gives it that lovely smoky char that takes everything to the next level. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or even a simple date night.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing spicy grilled chicken thighs:

• 500 grams chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 4 tbsp olive oil

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

• Cayenne Pepper: This is where the heat comes from! Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. In India, chili powders are incredibly diverse – from the mild Kashmiri chili powder for color to fiery varieties. Cayenne offers a similar, accessible heat.
• Cumin Powder: Cumin is a staple in Indian cooking, adding a warm, earthy flavor. It’s amazing how much depth it brings to this marinade. I always make sure my cumin is fresh for the best aroma.
• Olive Oil: I prefer using a good quality olive oil, not just for the flavor, but also because it’s a healthy fat. It helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps it nice and juicy on the grill.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First things first, wash and pat those chicken thighs really dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear on the grill. Arrange them in a single layer on a plate.
2. In a bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, cumin powder, and olive oil. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely combined.
3. Now, generously coat the chicken thighs with the spice blend on both sides. Don’t be shy! You want every nook and cranny covered.
4. Pop the chicken into a container or zip-lock bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better – the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
5. When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill pan over high heat. Brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, without moving them, to get those beautiful grill marks.
7. To check if they’re done, cut into the thickest part – the juices should run clear and there should be no pink remaining.
8. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful thigh. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes – it’s a match made in heaven!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the grill pan. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the marinade.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustments: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or even omit it altogether. My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a different kind of smoky flavor.
• Marinade Time Variations: While 2 hours is good, marinating overnight really allows the flavors to meld. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes is better than nothing!
• Air Fryer Adaptation: No grill? No problem! You can easily cook these in an air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Festival/BBQ Adaptations: These are amazing at BBQs! You can even thread the marinated chicken onto skewers for easy grilling.

Serving Suggestions

These spicy grilled chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:

• Creamy mashed potatoes (as mentioned before – seriously, try it!)
• A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• Warm naan bread with a side of raita (yogurt dip) – for a touch of Indian flair!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• How long can marinated chicken thighs be stored in the refrigerator? You can marinate chicken thighs for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• What is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through? Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method.
• Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe? Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on thighs will be even more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• What side dishes pair well with spicy grilled chicken? So many options! Salads, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and naan bread are all great choices.
• Can this marinade be used for other types of meat? Yes! It’s delicious on pork, lamb, and even fish.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy grilling!