Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Juicy Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are marinated in lemon juice, honey, and spices, then grilled until smoky and tender. They're easy, bold, and perfect for summer grilling. 

I keep coming back to this recipe because of how good and easy it is. And the best part is that it comes out juicy every single time. I've tested this recipe more times than I can count, tweaking the balance so the lemon pepper pops without turning sharp and the honey caramelizes instead of burning. 

When I'm not out back grilling these delicious Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, I'm grilling my Hawaiian-inspired Pulehu Chicken or Herbs de Provence Grilled Chicken. These are on repeat in our home all summer long. 

Recipe Highlights 

• It's the perfect choice for meal prepping because it stays juicy all week. It goes great in rice bowls or over top of salads. 
• Works great with boneless or bone-in thighs 
• You don't need to marinate too long, making it a quick fix for a busy weeknight
• The marinade is simple and uses pantry staples 

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in thighs can be used, but they'll cook longer. Watch your heat so you don't scorch the outside, leaving the middle underdone. 
• Lemon juice: Fresh is best. 
• Lemon pepper seasoning: The one we use has a lot of salt, so the recipe omits salt. If you're using a low salt variety, go ahead and add ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon according to your preferences. 
• Olive oil: Avocado oil is our next go-to because it has a high heat tolerance and doesn't smoke quite as much.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities. 

How to Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Step by Step 

Step 1: Mix all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl until well combined. Add the chicken thighs and let them marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. 

Step 2: Heat the grill to medium-high. Oil the grates. Grill the chicken thighs, flipping once until cooked through. 

See the recipe card for more details. 

Expert Tips for The Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs 

1. Use a thermometer. Pull the chicken at 165 degrees for the juiciest results. They can stay tender up to 175 degrees without drying out. Anything above that risks overcooking. 
2. Avoid high heat. Too hot, and the honey scorches before the chicken cooks. Aim for a grill temp of 350-400 degrees. Gas grills can tend to run hot, so watch out for this. 
3. Don't over-marinate. If you go over 4 hours, the lemon will start to break down the meat. 
4. Rest the meat for 5 minutes before slicing to keep each chicken thigh nice and juicy. 
5. Use two zones on the grill to avoid keeping the chicken over direct heat for too long. 

Must Try Variations 

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade. 
• Garlic Lover: Double the garlic powder or add fresh minced garlic. 
• Keto/Low Carb: Swap the honey for a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit. 

Storing, Reheating, Freezing, and Make Ahead Tips 

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
• Reheat gently wrapped in foil on the grill to keep them juicy. Microwaving can dry out the chicken, so use a damp paper towel if using this method. 
• To freeze, cool completely, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating. 
• Make ahead by mixing the marinade earlier in the day. 

What to Serve with Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs 

• Honey Garlic Green Beans
• Lemon Spinach Orzo
• Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Common Questions

More Chicken Recipes Like This

Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Kate

These grilled lemon pepper chicken thighs are marinated in bright lemon, honey, and spices, then grilled until smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. Simple and perfect for summer.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Marinate Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 5 Servings

Calories 505 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 lb boneless chicken thighs
• ▢ 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
• ▢ 2 tablespoons honey
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ▢ Lemon zest optional

Instructions

 

• Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest.
• Add chicken thighs and let marinate for at least 30 minutes and a maximum of 2 hours.
• Preheat grill to medium high (about 400 degrees).
• Oil the grates.
• Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Optional: Drizzle warm honey over top of the chicken before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 30gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 141mgPotassium: 414mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 247IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg

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