These lemon-herb grilled chicken thighs are juicy and full of fresh flavor! The zesty lemon and fragrant herbs make each bite a burst of sunshine on your plate.
Cooking them on the grill gives them a nice char that I can’t resist! I love serving these with a side of veggies or a light salad. Perfect for a fun summer meal! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, boneless thighs or chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking times as breasts can dry out more easily.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You can substitute with avocado oil or even melted butter if you’re looking for something different. Just make sure it’s a neutral oil if you prefer less flavor.
Lemons: Fresh lemons provide brightness and acidity. If lemons aren’t handy, lime juice works well too! Just remember to adjust for taste, as limes tend to be a bit stronger.
Fresh Herbs (Rosemary & Thyme): Fresh herbs give the best flavor. However, dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch—just use a third of the amount, as they are more concentrated.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a decent standby, but use less since it’s stronger.
How Do You Grill Chicken Thighs Perfectly?
Grilling chicken thighs takes some attention to ensure they turn out juicy and flavorful. Here are tips to help you grill them to perfection:
- Always preheat your grill. Getting it to medium-high heat before placing the chicken ensures a good sear.
- Place the chicken skin-side down first. This helps render the fat and gives you that crispy skin.
- Don’t flip the chicken too early! Let it develop a nice crust before turning. It should easily release from the grill when it’s ready.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked but still juicy.
- Let them rest after grilling! Letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes helps retain juices, making each bite deliciously moist.
How to Make Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Cherry tomatoes (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you about 15 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 1 hour of marinating time (or overnight for the best flavor). Then, you’ll need around 15 minutes to grill the chicken. So, overall, plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours, including marinating and cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together until well blended. This will give your chicken a lovely flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight to soak in all that yummy flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe and healthy.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown. Then, flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Serve the grilled chicken with fresh rosemary sprigs on the side and cherry tomatoes if you like. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just reduce the grilling time to about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), as they cook faster than bone-in thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs instead. Use 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary and 1 tablespoon of dried thyme as a substitute. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so you might want to adjust to your taste!
How Long Can I Marinade the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be! Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken texture.
Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Just preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat and follow the same grilling instructions. Make sure to have good ventilation, as it may smoke a bit!
