Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are juicy and packed with flavor! The mix of garlic and lemon makes each bite bright and delicious. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare in just one pan!
Honestly, there’s nothing like the smell of garlic cooking in the kitchen! I love serving these with rice or veggies. They always bring smiles to the table—who can resist that tasty combo?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe due to their tender texture. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily on the grill.
Garlic: Fresh garlic offers the best flavor when minced. If you’re short on fresh garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each garlic clove.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor to the marinade. If you want a different taste, avocado oil or melted butter can also work well. Both will enhance the richness of the dish.
Lemons: Fresh lemons are essential for a vibrant flavor. If you’re out of fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is definitely recommended for zest and taste freshness. You could also try lime for a twist.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are great for flavor. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use those instead, as they can add a wonderful brightness. You can also swap thyme with rosemary or basil for variety.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Flavored Throughout?
Marinating the chicken is key for flavor. Don’t skip this step! Combine your marinade ingredients well and coat the chicken thoroughly. Allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but 4 hours is best for deeper flavors. This time allows the garlic and lemon to penetrate the chicken.
- Mix all marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
- Make sure every piece of chicken is covered; use your hands if needed!
- Cover tightly and refrigerate. The longer it marinates, the juicier and tastier your chicken will be.
How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 lemons, halved (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and marinate the chicken, plus about 15-20 minutes of grilling time. If you let the chicken marinate for longer (up to 4 hours), it’ll enhance the flavor even more. So overall, you might be looking at roughly 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on your marination time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to create a fragrant marinade. You’ll love the smell!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade, making sure they are well-coated all over. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for the best flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
After marinating, it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat it to a medium-high heat to get it nice and hot for cooking the chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
When the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and throw out any leftover marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook them for about 6-7 minutes per side. Look for a nice, flavorful char on the outside and make sure they’re fully cooked through.
5. Grill the Lemon Halves:
For a delicious touch, during the last few minutes of grilling, add the halved lemons to the grill, cut-side down. Grill them until they’re caramelized and full of flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is grilled to perfection, remove the chicken and grilled lemons from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Serve the chicken thighs garnished with fresh chopped parsley, and don’t forget the caramelized lemon halves on the side. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that bone-in chicken thighs may require a few extra minutes on the grill to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re looking for an alternative to olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil work well. Both have high smoke points and will give a similar texture without altering the flavor significantly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated through without drying out.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken thighs overnight will intensify the flavors. Just be sure to keep them in the refrigerator and remove them about 30 minutes before grilling to bring them to room temperature for even cooking.
