Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, bathed in a zesty garlic and lemon mix that makes your taste buds dance.
I love how easy it is to whip this up for dinner. The smell alone makes the whole house feel cozy. Pair it with some veggies, and you’ll be in flavor heaven! 🍋🐔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Skinless and boneless thighs are perfect here for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful as they can dry out more easily when grilled.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its taste, but canola or avocado oil works as great alternatives due to their high smoke points for grilling.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can opt for garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for this recipe if needed.
Lemons: Fresh lemons are best for zest and juice. If you’re out of lemons, try using limes for a different but delicious flavor, or use bottled lemon juice as a last resort.
Oregano: Dried oregano is what I usually keep on hand, but if you have fresh oregano, use 3 times the amount for a fresher taste. Thyme or basil can also be swapped in for a different twist.
How Do You Make Chicken Thighs Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is the key step! It helps to infuse flavors and keeps the meat juicy. Combine olive oil, garlic, zest, juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then coat the chicken thighs and let them sit. For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—but up to 2 hours is optimal.
- This resting period helps the chicken soak in all those yummy flavors.
- Don’t skip removing excess marinade before grilling; it helps prevent flare-ups.
How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Grilling:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 lemons, halved (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate (you can marinate for up to 2 hours to really soak in those flavors). After marinating, the grilling will take around 15-20 minutes. Get ready to enjoy your delicious meal in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Pour in the olive oil and then add in the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together really well until it’s nicely combined—this is going to be the flavorful marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they get well coated with all those yummy flavors. Once they’re coated, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 2 hours for an extra burst of flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill and Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. Take the chicken thighs out of the fridge and let any excess marinade drip off. Make sure to discard the leftover marinade—it’s done its job! Now, place the chicken thighs on the hot grill and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them fully cooked, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C).
4. Grill the Lemons:
As the chicken cooks, take your halved lemons and place them cut side down on the grill during the last few minutes. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re nice and charred. This will add a delightful caramelized flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove both the chicken thighs and the grilled lemons from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Then, serve the chicken thighs on a platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Don’t forget to squeeze the grilled lemon over the chicken for an extra burst of bright flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, though they may cook faster. Reduce the grilling time to about 5-6 minutes per side and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you want a different flavor, avocado oil or grapeseed oil are great alternatives. For a more intense flavor, you could even try using melted butter, though this will give a different mouthfeel to the chicken.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the chicken right before you plan to grill for maximum flavor infusion!
