Grilled Chicken With Banana Peppers Recipe

Smoky grilled chicken melds with spicy-sweet banana peppers, hints of garlic and lime, and subtle warmth from allspice and cinnamon. A zesty cilantro finish.
Published: June 9, 2025
by Maribelle Harper

Ingredients

  • 14 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 5 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing the grill
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated garlic (from 2 cloves)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 12 banana peppers, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Important Notes

This recipe uses kosher salt; if you’re using table salt, halve each salt measurement.

Plan for at least 2 hours of marinating (up to 24 hours) and have your grill set up for medium-high indirect heat.

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk:

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated garlic
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Add 14 chicken thighs (about 5 pounds), sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and turn to coat evenly.

Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours, turning once, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Grill the Chicken

Prepare your grill for medium-high indirect heat (coals banked to one side or gas burners on medium-low on one side). Lightly brush the grate with oil.

Arrange the chicken skin-side down over the hottest area; grill until lightly charred, 5–10 minutes, flipping once.

Move the thighs to the cooler side; continue grilling, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part registers 165°F, about 20–25 minutes more.

Transfer to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes.

Finish and Serve

Top the thighs with 12 thinly sliced banana peppers and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Banana Peppers

Smoky grilled chicken melds with spicy-sweet banana peppers, hints of garlic and lime, and subtle warmth from allspice and cinnamon. A zesty cilantro finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 14 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs (about 5 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing the grill
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated garlic from 2 cloves
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme crushed
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 12 banana peppers thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Whisk garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, cayenne, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, thyme, allspice, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oil in a bowl. Add chicken, salt, and coat. Marinate at room temp for 2 hrs or refrigerate up to 24 hrs.
  • Preheat grill to medium-high indirect heat. Oil grates. Grill chicken skin-side down over hottest part until lightly charred (~5-10 mins), flipping once. Move to cooler side; grill until 165°F (20-25 mins), turning occasionally. Rest for 10 mins.
  • Top with banana peppers and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

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