These Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! The tangy lemon and tasty garlic make every bite a treat. Plus, they’re super easy to cook!
Honestly, there’s nothing like the smell of garlic and lemon wafting through the kitchen. I love serving them with rice or veggies for a tasty meal that feels special without too much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts can work too, but keep an eye on cooking time as they cook faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder will suffice, but you’ll lose some of that fresh, vibrant taste. I love using a garlic press for even more flavor!
Lemons: Fresh lemons are best for juicing and zesting. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work too, but it’s usually less flavorful. I like to buy organic lemons for the zest whenever possible!
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with cooking. If olive oil isn’t available, avocado oil or melted butter can be good substitutes. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its taste!
Paprika: This is optional but it adds a nice color and subtle smokiness. If you don’t have paprika, you can skip it or use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or even cayenne for heat!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor with Marinating?
Marinating chicken is a fantastic way to boost flavor. Here are some tips to make sure your marinade works perfectly:
- Combine all marinade ingredients well in a bowl – this ensures even flavor.
- After adding chicken, make sure it’s fully coated. I like to use a zip-lock bag for this; it’s easy to toss around and saves cleanup.
- For more flavor, marinate overnight if you can. Just a few hours is okay, but letting it soak longer works wonders!
Delicious Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 lemons, cut in halves for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour to marinate. For the grilling, you’ll need about 15 minutes. If you can, marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika if you like a bit of spice. This mixture will be your flavorful marinade.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and make sure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, let it marinate overnight!
3. Prepping for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375-400°F (190-200°C). Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any extra to drip off. If you want to add extra flavor while cooking, reserve some marinade for basting later.
4. Grilling the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes. Then flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes. You want to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you’re basting with marinade, do this while the chicken is cooking for extra juiciness!
5. Grilling the Lemons:
While the chicken is grilling, place the halved lemons cut-side down onto the grill. Grill for about 3-5 minutes until they’re golden and slightly caramelized. This will enhance their flavor nicely!
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Serve the grilled chicken garnished with fresh parsley and the grilled lemon halves on the side. Before digging in, squeeze the grilled lemons over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your tasty Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If using boneless chicken thighs, reduce the grilling time to about 4-5 minutes per side, as they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Just make sure to check that the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste. You can also opt for a spicy marinade or sauce to drizzle on top after grilling!
Can I Make This Dish in the Oven?
Definitely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end for crispy skin!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through for the best taste!
