Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity: Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs! This mouthwatering recipe combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemon with the robust kick of black pepper, creating a delightful harmony that will elevate your dinner game. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight meal, these juicy chicken thighs are not only easy to prepare but also ready in just 35 minutes! Dive into this article to discover the secrets to achieving perfectly grilled chicken that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Whisk the marinade ingredients together until well blended.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning adherence and crispy skin.
- Place chicken thighs in the marinade, turning them to coat evenly. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, ensuring flavors penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken thighs from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes until skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Optionally, squeeze additional fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for extra brightness.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: Always remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps tenderize it.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Don’t forget to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a crispy skin on the grill.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat (375-400°F) and that the grates are clean and oiled. This prevents sticking and ensures those beautiful grill marks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures that your chicken is safe to eat and still juicy.
- Let It Rest: After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful.
- Add Extra Zing: For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken right before serving. It adds a refreshing touch that complements the dish beautifully!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 130mg
