B B Q Lemon Chicken Family Favorite
Fire up the grill for this family-approved BBQ Lemon Chicken recipe that combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest with the smoky sweetness of classic barbecue sauce. Tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, honey, olive oil, and spices, then perfectly grilled or oven-roasted to golden, caramelized perfection. The homemade marinade not only infuses the chicken with layers of flavor but also doubles as a basting sauce to keep every bite moist and savory. Finished with a glossy barbecue glaze and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this easy yet delicious dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for backyard gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special family occasions. Pair it with grilled veggies or coleslaw for an unforgettable meal that tastes just like summer! Keywords: BBQ Lemon Chicken, grilled chicken, family dinner ideas, barbecue chicken recipe, summer grilling recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.5 cup Barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
In a bowl, prepare the marinade by combining lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium heat (about 375°F/190°C). If using an oven, preheat to 375°F and use the broiler for finishing.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade for basting during cooking.
On the grill, place the chicken skin-side down and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste occasionally with the reserved marinade. Be careful not to use raw marinade during the last few minutes to prevent contamination.
If using an oven, bake the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes. Turn on the broiler for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp up the skin while basting with the reserved marinade.
During the last few minutes of cooking, brush a layer of barbecue sauce over the chicken for a caramelized glaze.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the grill or oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve hot with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or baked potatoes for a complete family meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2759 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.9 g | 240% | |
| Saturated Fat | 52.9 g | 264% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 972 mg | 324% | |
| Sodium | 4748 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.1 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.4 g | ||
| Protein | 217.9 g | 436% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 195 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2584 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
