Description
Tender chicken thighs marinated and grilled with smoky compound butter featuring garlic, herbs, and Western spices. Perfect for outdoor grilling and family gatherings with bold, restaurant-quality flavors.
Ingredients
6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil for grill grates
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil grates well.
2. Mix softened butter with garlic, chives, paprika, oregano, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
4. Rub compound butter generously under and over chicken skin.
5. Let chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Place chicken skin-side down on preheated grill.
7. Grill 6-8 minutes until skin crisps and releases easily from grates.
8. Flip carefully and continue grilling 15-20 minutes, basting with remaining butter.
9. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F in thickest part.
10. Remove from grill and tent with foil for 10 minutes to rest.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t skip the marinating time for maximum flavor penetration.
Use instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
Baste frequently with compound butter to prevent drying.
Two-zone grilling prevents flare-ups and uneven cooking.
Store leftover compound butter refrigerated up to 1 week for future use.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, grilled chicken, compound butter, smoky chicken, outdoor grilling