Lemon Barbecued Chicken
Fire up your grill for the ultimate summer feast with this zesty and smoky Lemon Barbecued Chicken! Perfectly tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy blend of freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic, then kissed with the deep, savory flavors of soy sauce, paprika, and lemon zest. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is basted with rich barbecue sauce for a caramelized, smoky glaze that balances brightness with boldness in every bite. Ready in just under an hour (plus marinating time), this recipe is ideal for everything from backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners. Serve these juicy, citrus-infused chicken thighs alongside grilled veggies or creamy coleslaw for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with flavor. Keywords: lemon barbecued chicken, grilled chicken thighs, barbecue recipe, easy summer grilling, lemon marinade.
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Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 0.5 cups Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cups Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cups Barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside in a large bowl or a zip-top plastic bag.
Step 2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, paprika, ground black pepper, salt, and lemon zest to create the marinade.
Step 3
Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours for better flavor.
Step 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed and glowing.
Step 5
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off, and set them on a tray. Discard the remaining marinade.
Step 6
Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
Step 7
Flip the chicken thighs and grill the other side for another 6-8 minutes. Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking on each side, ensuring a thick and smoky glaze.
Step 8
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part.
Step 9
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 10
Serve the Lemon Barbecued Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or roasted potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1607.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3446.4 |
| Total Fat 243.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 61.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g | |
| Cholesterol 972mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5905.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 106.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 3.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 83.2g | |
| Protein 221.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 223.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2882.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories