Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and savory herb flavors. Marinated in a blend of fresh lemon, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley, these chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, offering a juicy, tender interior with a crispy, golden exterior. This easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, offering a delicious, flavorful dish that will surely impress.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 Grill (charcoal or gas)
- 1 Grill brush (optional)
- 1 Meat thermometer (optional)
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Paper towel (for oiling grill grates)
Ingredients
- 4-6 Chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice from about 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp Fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh thyme finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Honey optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to retain its juices.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken thighs with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or rice. Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you're short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill Tips: To get the perfect char, make sure the grill is hot but not too hot. You don’t want the chicken to burn before it cooks through.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they’ll cook quicker, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers: Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill to keep the skin crispy.
- Variation: Add a splash of white wine or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra twist in the marinade.