Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in garlic and zesty lemon, making every bite tasty and bright.
Cooking this dish fills my kitchen with a wonderful smell! I love pairing it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Get ready for some happy taste buds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give you flavorful, juicy meat. You can swap this for boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it will be shorter for smaller cuts.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice richness and flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil works well too. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for grilling.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic flavor. While fresh is best, you can use garlic powder in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon instead of 4 cloves.
Lemons: Fresh lemons add brightness to the dish. You can substitute with lime juice for a different tang. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will do in a hurry, but freshly squeezed provides a much better flavor.
Oregano: Dried oregano gives a Mediterranean flair. If you don’t have it on hand, Italian seasoning or dried thyme can work as alternatives to maintain that herbaceous note in the dish.
How Can I Grill Chicken Thighs to Perfection?
Grilling chicken thighs can be tricky if you want them juicy and well-cooked. Here are some simple steps to get it right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high to make those lovely sear marks. A good hot grill locks in juices.
- Let excess marinade drip off before placing chicken on the grill; too much liquid can cause flare-ups.
- Cook skin-side down first. This helps render fat for extra crispiness. Avoid flipping too soon—about 6-7 minutes should do!
- Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep it juicy!
How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 lemons, halved (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to marinate (or overnight for best flavor). Cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes total, plus any marinating time you choose.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, you can let it marinate overnight!
3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help get those delicious grill marks on your chicken. While the grill heats up, take the chicken out of the fridge.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until you see nice grill marks.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
6. Grill the Lemons:
During the last few minutes of grilling the chicken, place the halved lemons cut-side down on the grill. Grill them until they’re charred and caramelized, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken thighs and grilled lemons from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. When ready, serve the chicken garnished with chopped parsley and the grilled lemon halves on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the grilling time to about 4-5 minutes per side, as they cook faster without the bone. Ensure you still check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee they’re cooked through.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Also, consider marinating the chicken with sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers for extra heat and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill, stovetop, or microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or a little broth to keep the chicken moist while reheating.
Can I Cook This in the Oven Instead?
Absolutely! After marinating, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can broil them for a couple of minutes at the end for a crispy skin!
