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Flavorful Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy grilled chicken thigh recipe featuring a sticky, sweet, and tangy honey garlic glaze with charred lemon for smoky brightness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (preferably local raw honey)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 1 lemon sliced into halves for grilling
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • About 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on soy sauce saltiness)
  • Optional fresh herbs (chopped parsley or thyme for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and about 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk until well blended (about 5 minutes).
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Add to the marinade and toss gently to coat all sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, ideally 1 hour.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Clean and oil grates.
  4. Grill the lemons: Place lemon halves cut-side down on the grill and char for 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear and citrus softens. Set aside.
  5. Grill the chicken: Place marinated thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping carefully with tongs. Keep lid closed as much as possible.
  6. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, pierce with a knife and check juices run clear.
  7. Optional: Brush chicken with leftover marinade during last few minutes for extra sticky glaze.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with charred lemon halves for squeezing and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispy skin. Marinate at least 20 minutes, ideally 1 hour but no longer than 4 hours to avoid texture breakdown. Keep grill grates clean and oiled to prevent sticking. Char lemon halves on grill for smoky brightness. Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving. Can bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, grilled chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, honey garlic marinade, charred lemon chicken, backyard barbecue, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/flavorful-honey-garlic-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-perfect-weeknight-dinner/