This Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs recipe is super easy and delicious! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a mix of garlic, zesty lemon, and herbs, making every bite full of flavor.
I love making this dish when I want something tasty without a lot of fuss. Serve it with veggies or rice, and you’re ready for a yummy meal. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing! 🍋🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts, but they may require careful cooking to avoid drying out.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that zesty flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t on hand, substitute with garlic powder—just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemons add a bright zing to the dish. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice works too, although it may not have the same freshness. Zest enhances flavor, so try to use fresh zest when you can.
Oregano: Dried oregano brings an earthy note. If you’re out, thyme or basil can work in a pinch, but the flavor will change a bit.
Paprika: This spice adds a mild heat and color. You might substitute smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or omit it for a milder dish.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating chicken is an essential step to infuse flavor. The longer you marinate, the better it gets! Try to keep it in the fridge and aim for at least one hour. Overnight is even better if you can plan ahead.
- Mix the marinade well so all ingredients combine perfectly for even flavor.
- Use a resealable bag or shallow dish to make sure all chicken pieces are coated.
- Remember to discard the marinade after removing the chicken to prevent any risk of contamination.
Giving the chicken time in the marinade makes a big difference, so don’t skip this step! Enjoy your flavorful meal!
How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 8 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 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 takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. If you can, let it marinate overnight for better flavor. Then, grilling will take around 15-20 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be your tasty marinade that adds flavor to the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan instead, heat that over medium-high heat as well. You want it nice and hot for perfect grilling!
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Be sure to discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe and clean!
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until you see those beautiful grill marks. Then, flip them over and grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Grill the Lemons:
During the last few minutes of grilling the chicken, place the lemon halves on the grill, cut-side down. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re charred and caramelized — this will add a lovely flavor!
7. Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs and grilled lemons from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes so it stays juicy and tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken thighs topped with the grilled lemon halves and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your flavorful garlic lemon chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for bone-in ones; just adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs typically cook faster, so grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No worries! You can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons aren’t available. Use about 1/4 cup of bottled juice to replace the juice of 2 lemons. However, keep in mind that fresh lemons provide a brighter flavor, so use fresh zest if you can!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You can also grill it briefly again for a nice charred flavor.
Can I Grill This Chicken in the Oven?
Yes! If you prefer to cook indoors, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes. Use a broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to get that beautiful char on the skin.
