How To Grill Valerie Bertinelli’s Budget-Friendly Chicken Thighs With Ginger Scallion Sauce

Grilled chicken is a mainstay at BBQs, but rising meat prices mean finding the cut that suits your taste buds and your wallet can be tricky. Chicken thighs are a great solution: this inexpensive cut of dark meat doesn’t even require getting your hands dirty. Need the perfect chicken thigh recipe for your next gathering? Give actress and chef Valerie Bertinelli’s grilled chicken thighs with ginger scallion sauce a go.

A Look At the Price of Chicken Thighs

When it comes to buying chicken, the term “value pack” often indicates the best deal. According to a recent USDA National Retail Report,* the weighted average for a value pack of boneless, skinless chicken thighs is currently $2.26 per pound. By contrast, the report shows that a value pack of chicken breasts (sans the skin and bone) is $3.25 per pound. 

The nearly one dollar difference per pound may seem small, but it really adds up on a grocery trip. So, look for a value pack of boneless, skinless chicken thighs the next time you’re in the meat aisle. This will make for a tasty and budget-friendly main course.

Grilled Chicken Thighs With Ginger Scallion Sauce Recipe

Valerie Bertinelli takes her grilled chicken thighs up a notch by adding a ginger and scallion sauce — which is so good she says “you’ll find yourself wanting to eat it with everything.” Below is her recipe and a video explaining how to recreate this dish at home.

Ingredients (makes 4 to 6 servings):

Ginger Scallion Sauce:

• 1 cup chopped scallions (from 1 to 2 bunches)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, grated

Chicken Thighs:

• 5 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sambal oelek or sriracha
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients for ginger scallion sauce in small bowl. Take 2 tablespoons ginger scallion sauce and place in second, larger bowl. Set small bowl aside for serving with chicken.
2. To large bowl with 2 tablespoons ginger scallion sauce, add oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and sambal oelek or sriracha. Whisk to combine, then place chicken thighs in bowl. 
3. Stir to coat chicken in sauce. Let chicken marinate at room temperature 30 minutes.
4. Preheat grill pan or grill over medium-high heat.
5. Transfer chicken onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet, smooth-side up, and sprinkle smooth side with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
6. Transfer chicken to heated grill pan, seasoning-side down. Sprinkle underside with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. (If using a grill, season both sides before placing on grates.)
7. Grill 10 minutes on one side, rotating chicken’s direction halfway through to create a cross-hatch grill pattern. Flip chicken and cook until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and has nice grill marks (additional 7 to 10 minutes).
8. Transfer chicken to plate and serve with reserved ginger scallion sauce.

Enjoy these chicken thighs with fluffy rice or your favorite green vegetable. With this cut of chicken, you’ll get juicy and tender meat without breaking the bank.

*Prices are subject to change and are based on the USDA’s weekly retail report on advertised prices for chicken to consumers at major retail supermarket outlet from July 22, 2022 to July 28, 2022.