Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs are a tasty and juicy dish that’s perfect for any barbecue. The zesty lemon and garlic mix brings out wonderful flavors in the chicken!
I love how easy it is to make these thighs. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! My family always asks for seconds—who can resist that yummy garlic scent wafting around? 🍋🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. They’re juicy and tender. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out quicker on the grill.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor and helps the marinade cling to the chicken. If you’re in a pinch, you can use other oils like avocado oil or canola oil, but olive oil really shines here.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder – about 1 teaspoon should suffice, but fresh is always best!
Honey: Honey balances the acidity of the lemon beautifully. Agave nectar or maple syrup can be good substitutes if you want something different or if you’re vegan.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons are ideal for both juice and zest. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but the zest won’t be available for that bright flavor. Try using lime juice and zest for a twist!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is the key to juicy, flavorful chicken. Coating the chicken thighs in the marinade and letting them sit in the fridge is essential. Aim for at least 1 hour, but longer is better to really soak in those flavors. An overnight marinade works wonders!
- Jot down your marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk them together.
- Fully coat the chicken thighs before covering and refrigerating.
- Before grilling, let the excess marinade drip off so you get those nice grill marks!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, halved (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (4 hours or overnight preferably). Then, you’ll need about 20 minutes for grilling. In total, plan for about 30 minutes of active cooking time along with your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade for your chicken thighs.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, aim for 4 hours or even overnight!
3. Preheat and Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let the excess drip off before placing them on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have nice grill marks.
4. Grill the Lemon Halves:
While the chicken is grilling, take the halved lemons and place them cut-side down on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until they are nicely charred. This will enhance their flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve alongside the grilled lemon halves. They make a fantastic accompaniment! Enjoy your delicious lemon garlic grilled chicken thighs with your favorite sides like grilled asparagus or a fresh salad!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Thighs Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs, just be aware that they’ll take longer to cook. Aim for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Make sure to check for doneness close to the bone!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar. If using brown sugar, dissolve it in a little warm water first to ensure it blends well into the marinade!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken thighs for anywhere from 1 hour to 24 hours. For the best flavor, aim for at least 4 hours or overnight if you have the time. Just remember to keep the chicken refrigerated while marinating!
Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors?
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, no problem! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil, and follow the same grilling times. Just be sure to open a window or turn on your kitchen vent for some ventilation!
