Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
Why Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are naturally more tender and flavorful than breasts, and grilling them adds that perfect smoky char. The honey adds a beautiful caramelization while the lemon brightens the dish with fresh, citrusy notes. Garlic and herbs add depth, making every bite of this chicken irresistible. Plus, the marinade keeps the thighs juicy and packed with flavor while grilling. It’s a great recipe for any season, but especially perfect for summertime grilling!
For grilling chicken thighs evenly and preventing them from sticking to the grill, using a Braize Large Grill Basket is ideal. The basket allows you to keep the chicken secure while ensuring even heat distribution and that beautiful char without flare-ups. It’s a great tool to make flipping and handling the chicken thighs easier while grilling.
Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup honey
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preparing the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory, with the honey providing a natural sweetness and the lemon giving a fresh zing.
Marinating the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish, and pour the honey-lemon marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor). The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Prepping Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. A hot grill is key for getting that perfect char while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
Grilling the Chicken Thighs
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Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place them in the Large Grill Basket or directly on the grill grates, skin side down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Baste with Marinade: During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with any remaining marinade for extra flavor and caramelization. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning from the sugars in the honey.
Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs are one of my favorite dishes to make when I want something simple yet packed with flavor. The sweet honey caramelizes beautifully on the grill, while the lemon keeps everything bright and fresh. It’s a dish that’s always a hit at BBQs and family dinners, and it’s easy enough for a quick weeknight meal too!
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. These Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs are perfect served with grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or rice for a complete meal.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes! Chicken breasts work well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as breasts cook faster than thighs.
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Can I make this dish without a grill?
- Absolutely! You can cook the chicken thighs in a skillet or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until fully cooked.
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How long should I marinate the chicken?
- Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to an hour, but you can marinate it overnight for even more flavor.
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Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
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What sides pair well with Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs?
- This dish pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Ready to add some fresh, citrusy flavors to your grill?
Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs are the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory, making them a delicious and versatile dish for any occasion. Fire up your grill and give these Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs a try! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media @CookingWithBraize. We’d love to see how you enjoy this zesty dish!