Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs – Juicy, Flavor-Packed Perfection

Grilled chicken is a staple in our kitchen during the warmer months, but these Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs go beyond basic. Marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly satisfying.

This chicken is bright, juicy, and versatile. Serve it with grilled vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even our World’s Best Potato Salad for a delicious summer meal. It’s also great sliced over greens, stuffed into wraps, or meal-prepped for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Recipe

There are plenty of grilled chicken recipes out there, but this one stands out for its bold flavor and easy prep. You only need a few pantry staples, and the marinade works quickly to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

• Bright, Herby Flavor – Lemon, garlic, and herbs come together beautifully

• Quick Marinade – Just 30 minutes is enough, but it gets better the longer it marinates

• Juicy Chicken Thighs – More flavorful and forgiving than chicken breast

• Grill-Friendly – Perfect for backyard BBQs or indoor grill pans

• Meal Prep Approved – Tastes great hot or cold, and stores well for days

Ingredients That Make It Work

This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs which stay juicy and absorb flavor beautifully. A marinade of lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley infuses the chicken with fresh, zesty notes.

The key here is balance.  Acid from the lemon, richness from the olive oil, and depth from the herbs blend beautifully. Customize based on what you have: rosemary, basil, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat, for example.

How to Grill Chicken Thighs Like a Pro

Chicken thighs are one of the most forgiving cuts to grill, but a few simple steps ensure great results every time.

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. The lemon juice and garlic start breaking down the proteins, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Pat the thighs dry before grilling to ensure a good sear and prevent flare-ups.

Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.  This keeps the juices sealed inside.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – To mix and marinate the chicken

• Tongs – For flipping the chicken safely

• Grill or grill pan – For even cooking and great char

• Meat thermometer – To check for doneness

• Zester or microplaner – For extracting fresh lemon zest

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilling chicken thighs doesn’t require much, but a few tips make the process foolproof:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill – Give each piece room to cook evenly

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest – Adds a more vibrant flavor

• Let It Rest – A few minutes off the heat helps the juices settle

• Double the Batch – Leftovers are perfect for lunch wraps or salads

• Optional Garnish – A few lemon slices or extra parsley add a clean finish

What to Serve with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

This chicken is great on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides makes it shine:

• World’s Best Potato Salad – Creamy and classic, always a crowd-pleaser

• Salad in a Mason Jar – Portable and packed with greens

• Roasted or grilled vegetables

• Couscous, rice, or orzo

• Crusty bread with herb butter

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy fresh, herb-forward meals like this one, here are a few more ideas from Sisters Know Best:

• Moist Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – A simple method for juicy chicken every time

• Chicken Souvlaki Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce – Packed with lemony flavor and served with fresh toppings

• Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts – Another flavorful chicken option with a creamy twist

• Keto Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs – A spicy, protein-packed appetizer that pairs well with this dish

These Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re throwing them on the grill for a summer gathering or prepping a weeknight dinner, they always deliver on taste. Try them with a fresh salad or classic side dish and enjoy the simplicity of a perfectly grilled meal.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection for a bright and flavorful main dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Marinating Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 52 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Equipment

• Mixing bowl For making the marinade
• Tongs To flip and serve the chicken
• Grill pan For cooking the chicken evenly
• Meat thermometer To ensure safe internal temperature
• Zester For zesting the lemon

Ingredients

  

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
• Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off any excess.
• Grill chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon slices if desired.

Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate the chicken the night before for even more flavor.
• Serving Ideas: Great with grilled vegetables, couscous, or over a fresh salad.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days—perfect for meal prep.
• Herb Options: Swap parsley and thyme for basil or rosemary depending on what you have on hand.
• Zest First: Always zest the lemon before juicing to make it easier.

Keyword chicken, chicken recipe

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