Zesty herb marinated grilled chicken thighs

 Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

These tender chicken thighs are marinated in a bright, herb-packed mixture with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean spices. Grilling locks in the smoky flavor while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Perfect for serving with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or warm flatbread.

⏱️ Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time: 2–12 hours

Cook Time: 15–18 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Juice + zest of 1 lemon

1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp paprika (optional for color)

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, skip if you prefer non-spicy)

1 tsp salt, or to taste

½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.

Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Pair with Greek salad, couscous, roasted vegetables, or pita with tzatziki.

Notes & Tips

Herb Swap: If you don’t have fresh herbs, use 1 tsp dried for each tablespoon fresh.

Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken in a zip-top bag in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance.

Indoor Option: Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet if you don’t have an outdoor grill.

Juiciness Tip: Bone-in thighs work too—just increase grilling time to 8–10 minutes per side.

❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ

Q: Can I bake instead of grill?

A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked.

Q: Can I freeze marinated chicken?

A: Absolutely. Store raw marinated chicken in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Q: What sides go best with this dish?

A: Mediterranean roasted veggies, Greek salad, lemon couscous, or grilled flatbreads with tzatziki.

Nutrition information

Calories: 310

Protein: 32g

Fat: 18g

Carbs: 3g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 520mg

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