Fire Department Chicken

Fire up the grill for a hearty family favorite with this Fire Department Chicken recipe—perfectly charred, succulent bone-in chicken thighs infused with bold, smoky flavors. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and a medley of spices like smoked paprika and cayenne, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering balance of heat, tang, and sweetness. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick stint on the grill, you'll enjoy juicy, charred-to-perfection chicken finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice and optional parsley garnish. Ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, pair this grilling favorite with sides like coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Keywords: Fire Department Chicken, grilled chicken recipe, smoky chicken thighs, summer grilling, easy marinade, bone-in chicken thighs.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 5

Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the preheated grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes without moving them to achieve a nice char.

Step 6

Flip the chicken and reduce the grill heat to medium. Cook for an additional 20–25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a bright finish.

Step 8

Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 9

Serve hot with your favorite side dishes such as grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or potato salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1380.1 grams (1380.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3234

Total Fat 249.20g	319%
Saturated Fat 64.90g	325%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 972mg	324%
Sodium 4509mg	196%
Total Carbohydrate 27.90g	10%
Dietary Fiber 2.30g	8%
Total Sugars 18.80g
Protein 220.50g	441%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 185mg	14%
Iron 13mg	72%
Potassium 3044mg	65%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.3%

Protein: 27.3%

Carbs: 3.4%