Garlic Herb Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs
Garlic Herb Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs are juicy, caramelized, and bursting with bright lemon, sweet honey, and savory garlic-herb flavor. This recipe combines a simple citrus-herb marinade with high-heat grilling or oven roasting, creating perfectly browned, tender chicken ideal for weeknight meals or backyard gatherings.
Yield
4–6 servings
Temperature
Grill: Medium-high
Oven: 425°F (220°C)
Time
25–30 minutes
Ingredients
Key Ingredients First
- Boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl or a zip-top bag.
Coat thoroughly in the marinade.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Grill or Oven-Roast
Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook 5–7 minutes per side, or until caramelized and cooked through.
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place marinated thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake 20–25 minutes, broiling the last 2 minutes to brown the tops.
4. Serve
Rest chicken for 3 minutes before serving to keep juices inside.
Garnish with fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon.
Tips
- For extra caramelization, brush with a little honey during the last minute of grilling.
- Add chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy version.
- Bone-in thighs work too; simply increase cooking time.
- Do not over-marinate in lemon juice for more than 6 hours or the chicken may become too tender.
Serving Ideas
Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, grilled corn, couscous, or a fresh green salad. Pairs beautifully with garlic potatoes or herb pasta.
Conclusion
Garlic Herb Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs deliver bright citrus, natural sweetness, and savory garlic-herb richness in every bite. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for any day of the week and always makes an impression.