Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Thighs
Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Thighs are a culinary delight that combines juicy, flavorful chicken with zesty lemon and aromatic black pepper. This easy recipe elevates your grilling game, making it perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and foolproof techniques, you’ll impress your guests with restaurant-quality flavors right from your backyard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 fresh lemons (juiced)
- 2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tsp salt
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge (preferably up to 2 hours).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade and place skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each thigh and garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade. Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a different twist. For added heat, mix in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.