Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 10 reviews

This Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, lemon, soy sauce, honey, and fresh herbs. Perfectly charred with grill marks and cooked to tender perfection, these chicken thighs make a delicious and easy meal for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 6 finely grated garlic cloves
  • ½ peeled shallot, finely minced or finely grated
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 10 to 12 sprigs fresh thyme
  • ½ cup neutral flavored oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken

  • 4 pounds skinless chicken thighs (about 10 pieces)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the grated garlic, minced shallot, lemon zest, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, sweet paprika, fresh thyme sprigs, neutral flavored oil, and salt and pepper until well combined and emulsified. Taste the marinade; it should be bold and flavorful.
  2. Reserve Marinade: Set aside about 4 to 5 tablespoons of the prepared marinade in a separate container; this will be used later for drizzling after grilling.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Add the skinless chicken thighs to the large bowl with the remaining marinade. Thoroughly mix and massage the marinade into the chicken pieces. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate.
  4. Preheat Grill: When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Preheat your grill by turning on the burners; for a 4-burner grill, set two burners to high heat and the others to low heat. For a 2-burner grill, set one burner to high and the other to low. Close the grill lid to heat up properly.
  5. Start Grilling for Char Marks: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot side of the grill. Close the grill lid and cook for 2 minutes. Rotate the chicken 90 degrees to create cross-hatch grill marks, then cook for an additional 2 minutes with the lid closed. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid scorching, aiming for a beautiful char.
  6. Flip Chicken: Flip the chicken over and cook for 1 minute on the other side, also achieving 90-degree grill marks.
  7. Move to Low Heat: Transfer the chicken pieces to the cooler side of the grill. Reduce the hot side burners to medium heat.
  8. Finish Cooking: Close the grill lid and cook the chicken for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers between 168°F and 170°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
  9. Rest and Drizzle Marinade: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. While resting, drizzle the reserved 4 to 5 tablespoons of marinade over the chicken to enhance flavor and moisture.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with grilled lemon halves and additional fresh thyme leaves before serving for a fresh presentation and extra citrus aroma.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to deepen the flavor.
  • Ensure the grill is properly preheated and use a two-zone heat method to avoid burning while achieving perfect grill marks.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness; chicken thighs are safe to eat at 165°F but here cooked slightly higher for tenderness.
  • Feel free to substitute fresh thyme with other herbs like rosemary or oregano if desired.
  • This recipe works equally well on a charcoal grill for added smoky flavor.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/grilled-lemon-herb-chicken-thighs-recipe/