Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! The mix of zesty lemon and rich garlic creates a tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal. Plus, it’s pretty easy to whip up!
I love how this recipe fills my kitchen with yummy smells. It’s great for a cozy family dinner or a simple weeknight treat. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but be careful not to overcook them.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder could work in a pinch, but use about 1/2 teaspoon since it’s more concentrated.
Olive Oil: This oil helps the marinade stick and adds richness. You can substitute it with avocado oil or even melted butter if you prefer a different flavor.
Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is always better for flavor.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is my favorite since it complements the chicken beautifully. If you only have dried rosemary, just use a smaller amount (about 1 tsp) as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to achieving juicy, flavorful thighs. To ensure the best flavor, it’s essential to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better if you have the time.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until well mixed.
- Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are covered completely in the marinade. Use your hands if needed to get them well coated!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Remember, the longer, the better, as the flavors penetrate the meat.
Before grilling, let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly. Enjoy your flavorful chicken!
How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Lemon halves (for grilling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour for marinating in the refrigerator. The grilling itself will take around 15 minutes. So, you can enjoy delicious garlic lemon chicken in about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, or longer if you let it marinate overnight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything well until it’s nicely combined. This will be the flavorful marinade for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want a richer flavor.
3. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent sticking, oil the grill grates with a cloth or paper towel dipped in oil. This helps the chicken cook evenly without sticking!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on this side, then carefully flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat!
5. Grill the Lemons:
In the last few minutes of grilling, place the lemon halves cut-side down on the grill. Let them cook until they get nice grill marks and become charred. This will enhance their flavor and make them perfect for squeezing over the chicken.
6. Serve It Up:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve the chicken thighs garnished with chopped fresh parsley and the grilled lemon halves on the side for some extra zesty goodness!
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs—perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe! Just reduce the cooking time to about 5-6 minutes per side, as they will cook faster without the bone. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can substitute with dried rosemary. Use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of 1 tablespoon of fresh. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best flavor, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or enjoy it cold on a salad!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Absolutely! If you have time, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This will enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid from the lemon juice can start to break down the meat too much, affecting its texture.
