Description
Zesty Mediterranean lemon chicken thighs combine tangy citrus with herbal notes for a delightful main course. Succulent chicken emerges from the oven golden and juicy, promising a meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
- 4 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp chili pepper flakes
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsps minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 5 tbsps olive oil, divided
- 4 tbsps lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tsp instant chicken bouillon
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Whisk cilantro, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken bouillon, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, dividing the mixture into two portions.
- Marinate Chicken: Submerge chicken thighs in one portion of the marinade inside a resealable bag, refrigerate for two hours or overnight, occasionally rotating to ensure even flavor infusion.
- Prep for Cooking: Discard used marinade, pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to enhance browning potential.
- Grill Chicken: Heat cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat, lightly coat with remaining olive oil, arrange chicken thighs in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook and Finish: Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC), using tongs to flip gently, then transfer to serving platter and drizzle with reserved marinade before serving hot.
Notes
- Maximize Marinade Flavor: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to deeply infuse the meat with zesty cilantro and spice notes.
- Ensure Perfect Browning: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before cooking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.
- Temperature is Crucial: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC), guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
- Oil and Heat Balance: Use a cast-iron grill pan at medium-high heat with a light oil coating to create an ideal searing environment without burning the meat.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 426
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg