Description
Succulent garlic lemon chicken thighs dance with zesty Mediterranean flavors, promising a quick weeknight dinner that delights. Juicy chicken, kissed by garlic and tangy citrus, delivers a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 8 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquid and Citrus Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 lemons, halved (for grilling)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or shallow dish, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, ensuring surface is adequately hot for precise cooking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Position chicken thighs skin-side down on heated grill, cooking 5-7 minutes until distinctive grill marks appear. Flip and continue grilling opposite side for additional 5-7 minutes, monitoring internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- During final grilling moments, place lemon halves cut-side down on grill surface. Caramelize for 2-3 minutes until edges develop a rich, charred appearance.
- Transfer grilled chicken and lemons from heat, allowing meat to rest briefly for optimal moisture retention.
- Plate chicken thighs, garnish with grilled lemon halves and fresh parsley. Serve immediately to preserve peak flavor and temperature.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs with skinless, boneless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks faster and absorbs marinade quickly.
- Reduce marinating time to 30 minutes if you’re short on preparation time, though overnight marination provides deeper flavor penetration.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of oregano to create unique flavor variations that complement the garlic and lemon profile.
- For gluten-free diets, ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if included.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg