Description

A juicy, flavorful grilled chicken dish featuring a bright lemon and herb marinade with a perfect smoky char. It’s an impressive yet stress-free main course perfect for weekend dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 large fresh lemons (juice and zest)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6–8 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or dill, lemon wedges, flaky sea salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approx. 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, create a two-zone fire. Clean and oil the grill grates thoroughly.
Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot part of the grill. Do not move for 5-6 minutes to allow searing.
Flip chicken and cook for another 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning, until skin is crispy and charred.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove chicken from grill and let rest on a cutting board or platter, tented loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve warm.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness; breasts will dry out. Do not use marinade that touched raw chicken as a sauce unless reserved beforehand. Resting the chicken is crucial to retain juices. If using charcoal, a two-zone fire helps manage charring.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 thighs per serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 300
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon chicken, dinner party recipe, summer grilling, easy chicken recipe, charred chicken, gluten-free dinner