Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
These grilled lemon garlic chicken thighs are a perfect choice for an easy weeknight meal or a backyard gathering, offering tender, juicy chicken with a bright, zesty flavor from a simple marinade.
Equipment
- Grill
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- instant-read thermometer
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large lemon zested and juiced (use half the zest if incorporating preserved lemon)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped preserved lemon rind optional, for a deeper flavor
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped or grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped hardy fresh herbs such as oregano, rosemary or thyme
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper plus more to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, the lemon zest (use about half if adding preserved lemon rind), the finely chopped or grated garlic, olive oil, and chopped hardy fresh herbs. If using, stir in the 1 tablespoon of finely chopped preserved lemon rind.
- Add the 1 1/2 teaspoons each of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to the mixture. Then, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure to toss them thoroughly so every piece is coated in the fragrant marinade. Let the chicken rest for at least 20 minutes, but no more than 1 hour.
Grilling to Perfection
- While your chicken marinates, prepare your grill for medium-high direct heat, aiming for a temperature between 450-500°F. Clean your grill grates well and then oil them thoroughly to prevent sticking once the chicken hits the heat.
- Carefully place the marinated chicken on the hot grill, discarding any excess marinade left in the bowl. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, looking for char marks. The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly done and safe to eat is by using an instant-read thermometer; it should register an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.
The Final Touch
- Once cooked, remove the beautifully charred chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, helping ensure every bite is moist and tender. Serve immediately.
Notes
Marinating Tip: Due to the acidity of lemon juice, marinate boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a minimum of 20 minutes and no longer than 1 hour to tenderize and flavor without compromising texture. Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high direct heat (450-500°F) to ensure a quick sear and juicy interior. Closing the lid helps maintain even cooking temperatures. Don't Skip the Thermometer: Always use an instant-read thermometer to verify chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy results. Perfect Grill Marks: For crosshatch marks, grill chicken for 3 minutes, rotate 45 degrees, and grill for another 3 minutes before flipping. Temper Your Chicken: Allow marinated chicken to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking. Grilled Lemons: Grill lemon halves cut-side down until charred for extra smoky flavor and a garnish. Managing Flare-Ups: Keep a water spray bottle handy to quickly extinguish any grill flare-ups, especially with marinades containing sugar. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg
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