Infuse your summer grilling or weeknight dinner with a zesty twist using this irresistible Taste of Home Lemon BBQ Chicken recipe! Tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, garlic, and soy sauce, then perfectly grilled or oven-roasted to juicy perfection. A final brush of smoky BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully, adding an irresistible layer of flavor that pairs seamlessly with the tangy, citrusy marinade. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices for a bright finishing touch, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes of prep time, yet delivers gourmet-level results. Whether youβre hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a family-friendly meal, this grilled lemon BBQ chicken recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser!
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the marinade by whisking together the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for best flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400Β°F). If you're using an oven, preheat it to 375Β°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with foil.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to help the skin crisp up during cooking.
If grilling: Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill grates. Grill for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165Β°F.
If baking: Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet skin-side up. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F. Optional: Broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispy skin.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the BBQ sauce on both sides, allowing it to caramelize and add flavor.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with lemon slices on the side, if desired.
Calories |
3296 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 228.7 g | 293% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.3 g | 296% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 972 mg | 324% | |
| Sodium | 5463 mg | 238% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 105.2 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 88.0 g | ||
| Protein | 221.3 g | 443% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 213 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 2643 mg | 56% | |
*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.