These Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! With a zesty lemon and garlic sauce, they’re perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Seriously, who can resist that golden-brown color? I love serving them with rice or veggies, and they make me feel like a rock star chef without all the fuss!
Making these is a breeze. Just mix the sauce, coat the chicken, and bake! It’s quick, tasty, and cleanup is easy too—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for grilling due to their juicy and tender texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, you could use garlic powder, but start with less, about 1/2 teaspoon, as the flavor is stronger. Personally, I love the fresh taste that garlic brings.
Lemon: Using fresh lemons for zest and juice gives the best flavor. If you don’t have lemons, you can substitute with lime, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly. I find that the brightness from lemon really enhances the dish.
Oregano: Dried oregano is perfect for this recipe. If you want a fresh touch, you could use fresh oregano, but you’ll need more since fresh herbs are less potent than dried. I often prefer fresh in summer for its vibrant flavor!
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is all about time and balance. The key is to let the chicken soak up the marinade for a good period. Here’s how:
- Mix your marinade ingredients well, ensuring garlic, lemon, and spices are evenly distributed.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade. A large zip-top bag is handy for this to get an even coat.
- Let it sit in the fridge! At least one hour is necessary, but overnight is best for deep flavor.
Always remember to discard the marinade before grilling to avoid any contamination. Enjoy your flavorful chicken!
How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 lemons, halved (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (overnight is best for flavor). After marinating, cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, with prep and cooking combined, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir them together well until all the ingredients are combined. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Next, add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure to coat each piece in the marinade well. Once they’re all coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight works best for those delicious flavors to soak in!
3. Grilling the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken thighs out of the fridge. Let any excess marinade drip off, and remember to throw away the leftover marinade—it’s best not to reuse it!
4. Cooking Time:
Put the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down, and grill them for about 6-7 minutes until they’re nicely browned. Now, flip them over with tongs to grill the other side for another 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
5. Adding the Grilled Lemons:
During the last few minutes of grilling, place the halved lemons cut-side down on the grill. Let them char slightly. This adds an extra zing when you squeeze them over your chicken!
6. Final Touches:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the chicken thighs and grilled lemons from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Now it’s time to serve!
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Garnish your chicken thighs with freshly chopped parsley and serve them alongside the grilled lemon halves. These are perfect for squeezing over the chicken for an added burst of flavor! Enjoy your delicious garlic lemon chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Boneless cuts tend to cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they all work well for marinating and grilling chicken.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it moist when reheating, cover it with a damp paper towel and warm in the microwave or in a skillet with a little splash of water.
Can I Bake This Chicken Instead of Grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes!
