– **Title**: Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip the chicken thighs over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can work too, but they may dry out faster on the grill. For a different texture, you can use bone-in thighs.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for a strong flavor. If you don’t have fresh, opt for jarred minced garlic, keeping in mind it’s milder. Also, garlic powder can be a substitute, using about 1/8 tsp for each clove.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons give the best flavor. If you’re short on lemons, bottled lemon juice is a decent substitute. However, it’s less vibrant. For zest, you can skip if you have no fresh lemons but adding it boosts the aroma!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness. If you’re out, avocado oil or canola oil works as substitutes. However, avoid oils with strong flavors like sesame oil in this recipe.
Oregano: Dried oregano gives a nice herbal note. You can swap it with dried thyme or Italian seasoning if you don’t have oregano on hand.
How Do I Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve juicy results. The key is to marinate your chicken well and monitor the cooking time closely.
- After marinating, let any excess drip off before placing chicken on the grill. This helps prevent flare-ups.
- Cook over medium-high heat, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is safe.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling is essential. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.
How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 lemons, halved (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour of marinating time (or overnight for best flavor). Then, you’ll need approximately 15-20 minutes to grill the chicken. Total time could be around 1-2 hours, depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey (if you like a touch of sweetness), salt, pepper, and oregano. This flavorful mixture will serve as your marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Letting it sit for at least 1 hour is great, but overnight will make it even more tasty!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high on the stove. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice char, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Grill the Lemon Halves:
While the chicken is grilling, place the halved lemons cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until they get a lovely caramelized look. This will add extra flavor when squeezed on the chicken!
5. Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve your garlic lemon chicken garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy with the grilled lemon halves on the side. Squeeze the grilled lemons over the chicken for an extra punch of flavor right before eating!
Enjoy your delicious and easy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer bone-in chicken thighs, just adjust the grilling time since they will take longer to cook through. Aim for about 10-12 minutes on each side, checking that the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you need a substitute for olive oil, you can use avocado oil, which has a similar flavor profile and high smoke point, or melted butter for a richer taste. Adjust the quantity as needed, keeping it equal to the olive oil amount specified in the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Honey?
Yes, you can omit the honey without any issues! The honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon, but the dish will still be delicious without it. If you want a bit of sweetness, consider adding a pinch of sugar or using a sugar substitute as an alternative.
