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Flavorful Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs

lemon herb grilled chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy, tender, and zesty grilled chicken thighs marinated in fresh lemon zest and herbs, perfect for quick and flavorful dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 2 large lemons, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary and thyme, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended and fragrant.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken thighs to the bowl or transfer everything into a resealable plastic bag. Toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Clean and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Place thighs skin-side down first. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crisp. Flip carefully and grill the other side for 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest the chicken: Transfer cooked thighs to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispier skin. Avoid flipping too soon to prevent sticking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill. For indoor cooking, use a grill pan or broil in oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes. Marinate at least 20 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours but no longer than 4 hours to avoid meat breakdown.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb grilled chicken, grilled chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, lemon zest chicken, herb marinade, summer grilling