Amazing Lemon and Herb Chicken Thighs on the Grill
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs: A Simple Yet Flavorful Recipe
Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook, especially when it comes to chicken thighs. There’s something about the combination of charred edges and juicy meat that makes grilled chicken thighs irresistible. They are quickly becoming one of my favorite meats to grill, and they are easy to get on sale and on a tight budget make a great meal.
Today, I’m sharing one of my go-to recipes: Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make.
Why Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for grilling because they’re more forgiving than chicken breasts. The dark meat stays tender and juicy even if you leave them on the grill a bit longer, and they’re packed with flavor. Plus, the skin crisps up beautifully, adding a delicious texture that everyone loves.
Equipment Needed
Before we get started, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- Grill: A gas or charcoal grill will work perfectly for this recipe. Make sure it’s clean and preheated.
- Tongs: For turning the chicken thighs without piercing the meat, which helps retain juices.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing the marinade.
- Basting Brush (Optional): If you like to add extra marinade or a bit of oil while grilling.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering lemon herb grilled chicken thighs:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 375°F to 400°F. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly while getting a nice char on the outside.
- Grill the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 7-8 minutes on each side, turning occasionally. You want the skin to be crispy and the meat to be cooked through, with a nice golden-brown color.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F for safe consumption. If the thighs aren’t quite there yet, move them to a cooler part of the grill and cover, allowing them to finish cooking without burning.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides.
The Health Benefits of Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are not only flavorful but also offer some nutritional benefits. They’re a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The olive oil used in the marinade provides healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Additionally, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
To make this dish even healthier, you can remove the skin before eating, which will reduce the fat content. Pairing these chicken thighs with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad can also help create a well-balanced meal.
Other Variation of Grilled Chicken Thighs
Vegan Alternative: Lemon Herb Grilled Tofu
If you’re looking for a vegan option, this recipe can easily be adapted using tofu:
- Ingredients: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu. Use the same marinade ingredients and follow the same steps.
- Instructions: Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into thick slices. Marinate the tofu for at least an hour, then grill it for 3-4 minutes on each side, until you get nice grill marks. The tofu will absorb the flavors beautifully and make a delicious plant-based alternative.
What to Serve With Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs?
These lemon herb grilled chicken thighs (or tofu) pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. I love serving them with grilled vegetables, a light salad, or even some garlic butter potatoes. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist complements the flavors beautifully.
This lemon herb grilled chicken thighs recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s bright, fresh, and full of flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a backyard barbecue, this dish is sure to impress.
Now, go Throw it Down on the Grill!
Lemon and Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Grill Gas or Charcoal will work
- Tongs For turning the chicken thighs without piercing the meat, which helps retain juices.
- – Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Mixing Bowl
- -Basting Brush (Optional) If you like to add extra marinade or a bit of oil while grilling.
Ingredients
- **8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs**
- – **1/4 cup olive oil**
- – **Juice and zest of 2 lemons**
- – **3 cloves garlic minced**
- – **2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped**
- – **2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped**
- – **1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped**
- – **1 teaspoon Dijon mustard**
- – **Salt and black pepper to taste**
Instructions
- **Prepare the Marinade:** In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
- **Marinate the Chicken:** Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
- **Preheat the Grill:** When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 375°F to 400°F. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly while getting a nice char on the outside.
- **Grill the Chicken Thighs:** Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 7-8 minutes on each side, turning occasionally. You want the skin to be crispy and the meat to be cooked through, with a nice golden-brown color.
- **Check for Doneness:** Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F for safe consumption. If the thighs aren’t quite there yet, move them to a cooler part of the grill and cover, allowing them to finish cooking without burning.
- **Rest and Serve:** Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides.
