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grilled lemon pepper chicken thighs recipe

Juicy Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Megan FosterMegan Foster
These juicy grilled lemon pepper chicken thighs are perfect for any summer gathering, offering a delicious blend of citrus and spice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill preheated to medium-high heat
  • 1 Mixing bowl for marinade
  • 1 Resealable plastic bag to marinate chicken

Ingredients
  

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
  • Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over chicken, seal the bag, and massage marinade into chicken. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.

Serving

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and place on grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Arrange chicken thighs on a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your choice of sides.

Storage

  • Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Marinate the chicken overnight for best results. Preheat the grill to ensure even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor. Use chicken breast if preferred.
How to Serve: Pair with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Marinate the chicken a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to grill.
Keyword easy chicken dinner, grilled chicken recipes, lemon pepper marinade