Grilled Lemon Soy Sauce Chicken

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Grilled Lemon Soy Sauce Chicken

Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly tender, this Grilled Lemon Soy Sauce Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Marinated in a zesty garlic-soy blend and grilled to smoky perfection, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s great for weeknights or summer cookouts.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 382 per serving

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1½ teaspoons dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade:
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper, garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken:
    Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, turning to fully coat them in the marinade. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill:
    Heat your grill to medium heat. If using a stovetop grill pan or an indoor electric grill, allow it to preheat thoroughly.
  4. Grill the Chicken:
    Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Grill for 20 to 25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is nicely charred.
  5. Optional Garnish:
    During the last 5 minutes of grilling, you can place a few lemon slices on the grill alongside the chicken. They make a beautiful, aromatic garnish.

Tips & Notes

  • Alternate Cuts: Chicken legs or bone-in breasts also work well. If using boneless chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time as they cook faster.
  • Indoor Option: Don’t have access to an outdoor grill? A stovetop grill pan works great too.
  • Thyme Substitute: If you don’t have fresh thyme, substitute with 1½ teaspoons of dried thyme.
  • Cooking Time Tip: Cooking time can vary based on the chicken’s initial temperature, grill heat, and size of the thighs. Always use a meat thermometer for best results.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 382 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 166mg
  • Sodium: 643mg
  • Sugar:4g

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