How long should you marinate chicken thighs for grilling?

For the best flavor, marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes, though two to four hours will give you even more depth. If you’re short on time, a quick half-hour soak will still infuse the chicken with bright lemon and herb notes. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring the chicken closer to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.

Can you grill chicken thighs with the skin on?

Absolutely! Grilling chicken thighs with the skin on adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. Start grilling skin-side down to render some fat and crisp up the skin. Flip once the skin is golden and crisp, then finish grilling until the meat is cooked through. If you prefer, you can also use skinless chicken thighs—just watch the grill closely, as they’ll cook a bit faster.

How do you keep grilled chicken thighs from drying out?

The keys are proper marinating, using medium-high heat, and not overcooking. The marinade helps retain moisture, while moderate heat allows the inside to cook through without burning the outside. Always let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling so the juices can redistribute. For extra insurance, use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken off the grill as soon as it reaches the right temperature.

What temperature should grilled chicken thighs be cooked to?

Grilled chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer takes out the guesswork and ensures your chicken is both safe and juicy. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone, for the most accurate reading.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs: 5 Proven Tips for Juicy

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lbs (about 8) bone-in or boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons); Zest of 1 lemon; 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried oregano); 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tbsp dried thyme); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; Lemon wedges and extra herbs, for serving

Description

Juicy, vibrant grilled lemon herb chicken thighs marinated in fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs—a true family tradition that brings sunshine to your table, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs (about 8) bone-in or boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried oregano)
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tbsp dried thyme)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges and extra herbs, for serving

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken thighs and toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down if using skin-on. Grill without moving for 4-5 minutes until nicely seared.
Flip and continue grilling another 4-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Transfer to a plate and let rest 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top and sprinkle with extra herbs before serving.

Notes

For the juiciest results, don’t skip marinating time. Skin-on thighs add extra flavor and moisture, but boneless/skinless work just as well—just reduce grilling time slightly. Leftovers are great for wraps, salads, or sandwiches. Let chicken rest before serving to lock in juices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 220
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 410mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg