Bright, juicy, and packed with flavor—your new go-to grilled chicken recipe.

When warm weather rolls in and the grill gets fired up, this Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken is a must-make. It’s fresh and zesty, thanks to a marinade loaded with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and plenty of herbs. Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful on the grill, and they pair beautifully with everything from corn on the cob to pasta salad.

This recipe is simple, summery, and ideal for feeding a crowd. Plus, the marinade does most of the work—just toss the chicken in, let it soak up the flavor, then grill until golden and slightly charred.

Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling season! These Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs are marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs for the ultimate summer dinner. Easy to prep and ideal for Memorial Day, 4th of July cookouts or weeknight meals. #GrilledChicken #LemonHerbChicken #SummerRecipes #ChickenThighs #MemorialDayRecipes
Contents show

Quick Look:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 1–8 hours
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
  • Serves: 4–6

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1½ tsp dried)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

  1. Make the marinade:
    In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, Dijon, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate the chicken:
    Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat well. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor you’ll get.
  3. Preheat the grill:
    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the chicken:
    Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is lightly charred and golden.
  5. Rest and serve:
    Transfer to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

What to Serve With It:

  • Grilled corn on the cob
  • Cucumber-tomato salad
  • Orzo pasta salad with feta
  • Roasted potatoes or garlic bread
  • Watermelon and mint salad

Tips and Variations:

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for even more flavor—just increase grill time by a few minutes.
  • Swap in other herbs like rosemary, basil, or dill based on what’s fresh or what you have on hand.
  • Oven option: No grill? Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

This Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken is everything you want for Memorial Day or the 4th of July: easy, crowd-friendly, and bursting with fresh summer flavor. Prep it in the morning, grill it when guests arrive, and watch it disappear.