Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Season and marinate
- Season chicken thighs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate so the surface tastes well seasoned.
Griddle cook
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, spreading it evenly across the cooking surface. Look for a light shimmer in the oil before adding the chicken.
- Place the chicken thighs on the griddle and cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden and caramelized. The edges should look browned and set as they release from the surface.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 more minutes until cooked through to 165°F. Continue until the thickest part reaches 165°F with no pink inside.
Garlic butter and serve
- Add the butter and minced garlic to the griddle beside the chicken and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Watch for bubbling butter and a strong garlic aroma without browning the garlic too much.
- Toss the chicken in the garlic butter and cook for 1 more minute. The surface should look glossy as the butter coats the caramelized crust.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Finish with parsley sprinkled over the top and lemon on the side for brightening.
Notes
For best results, dry the chicken thighs lightly before seasoning so the spices cling and you get deeper browning on the flat-top. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet or on the griddle until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended for best texture, since the crust can soften. If you want a lower-sodium option, use a reduced-salt salt substitute (or decrease the added salt by half) while keeping the paprika and garlic powder amounts.
