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Crispy Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

crispy grilled lemon herb chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with crispy skin, marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for grilling or indoor cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: smoked paprika or chili flakes for smoky or spicy kick

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, zest from 1 lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, and 1 tablespoon each of chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Stir until well blended.
  2. Pat the 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Add the thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated in the marinade. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Place the thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Cook undisturbed for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and grill the other side for another 5-6 minutes. Total cooking time should be about 12-14 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin. Avoid pressing down on chicken while grilling to keep skin intact. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill. Marinate no longer than 2 hours to prevent meat texture changes. For indoor cooking, use a grill pan or oven roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes and broil 2-3 minutes to crisp skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, lemon herb chicken, crispy chicken skin, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling, quick dinner, juicy chicken