Description
A fast, flavorful weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemon, pepper, and herbs, then grilled and basted with garlic butter. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, 3 cloves minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
- Add chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the fridge).
- Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F/200°C) or heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken on the grill or in the skillet. Do not move for 5-6 minutes to allow a crust to form.
- Flip chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter with the remaining 1 clove minced garlic (and red pepper flakes if using).
- Brush the garlic butter over the chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Check internal temperature; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for searing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts. If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 4-5 minutes per side. For oven cooking, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with garlic butter in the last 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh per
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, grilled chicken, garlic butter chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, keto friendly, gluten free