Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

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There is something truly irresistible about a perfectly cooked grilled chicken dish that combines vibrant citrus notes and deep, savory spices with a luscious finish of barbecue sauce. This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe is exactly that joy on a plate—a celebration of summer flavors that’s juicy, tender, and packed with character. Each bite bursts with bright lemon zest, an herbal medley, and smoky sweetness, making it a definite crowd-pleaser whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend gathering or a casual family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The simplicity of the ingredients in this recipe is what makes it so approachable yet incredibly flavorful. Each element plays an essential role in building layers of taste and texture—from the tangy lemon to the aromatic herbs and the rich barbecue sauce that ties everything together.

• 4 pounds of bone-in chicken thighs: The perfect cut for juicy, tender meat with crispy skin when grilled.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Adds fresh acidity that brightens the entire dish and helps tenderize the chicken.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides moisture and helps the spices adhere beautifully to the meat.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor and brings out the natural juiciness of the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard: Adds a tangy depth and subtle heat to the spice blend.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces warm, savory undertones for a full-bodied aroma.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Just enough heat for a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Provides a mild sweetness and rounds out the spice mix.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthy aroma that complements chicken beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a Mediterranean touch and balances the herbal profile.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly ground for a sharp, pungent contrast.
• 3/4 cup barbecue sauce: Offers a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes on the grill for unmatched flavor.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry using paper towels—this step is crucial for getting that crispy skin you’ll love. Lay them out in a large baking dish to prepare them for the marinade.

Step 2: Lemon Infusion

Squeeze fresh lemon juice evenly over both sides of the chicken. The lemon not only infuses brightness but also gently tenderizes the meat, so let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes and soak up those sunny flavors.

Step 3: Olive Oil Coating

Drizzle olive oil across the chicken and rub it in thoroughly. The oil keeps the meat moist during grilling and helps the spices cling perfectly to every inch of the chicken thighs.

Step 4: Prepare the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, ground mustard, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. This aromatic blend is the heart of the recipe, offering a balance of heat, earthiness, and subtle herbal notes.

Step 5: Marinate the Chicken

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken thighs, rubbing it into both sides for full flavor coverage. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This marinating step allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.

Step 6: Heat the Grill

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and prepare your grill by heating one side to high heat (about 400 to 600 degrees F), leaving the other side off to create a two-zone cooking environment for optimal grilling control.

Step 7: Initial Sear on the Hot Side

Place the chicken skin side up (bone side down) on the hot side of the grill. Cook with the lid closed for 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 4 minutes. This process sears in juices while developing that irresistible crust.

Step 8: Finish Cooking on the Cool Side

Move the chicken to the cool side of the grill, keeping the bone side down, and cook with the lid closed for 2 to 3 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160 degrees F. This indirect heat ensures the meat cooks evenly without burning.

Step 9: Apply Barbecue Sauce

Generously brush barbecue sauce on both sides of the chicken, flipping and coating repeatedly until you’ve used all the sauce. This sticky layer will caramelize beautifully and add a glossy finish with smoky-sweet notes.

Step 10: Final Sear to Finish

Return the thighs to the hot side of the grill and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This final step locks in all the flavor and guarantees the chicken is fully cooked, juicy, and flavorful.

How to Serve Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of green color and a fresh, herbal brightness that perfectly complements the smoky, tangy chicken. A few thin lemon wedges on the side invite diners to add extra citrus zing if they like.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside simple yet satisfying sides like grilled corn on the cob, a crisp garden salad, or fluffy rice pilaf. Roasted vegetables, especially those with a bit of caramelization like sweet potatoes or peppers, also pair wonderfully with the lemon herb and barbecue flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual get-together, serve the grilled chicken thighs family-style on a rustic wooden board with barbecue sauce bowls for dipping. For a more refined presentation, plate the chicken over a bed of herbed couscous with colorful microgreens scattered on top for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover grilled lemon herb chicken thighs with barbecue sauce recipe to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the meat tender. Be sure to store the chicken with some of the barbecue sauce to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken thighs by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen leftovers maintain their best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken juicy, brushing with extra barbecue sauce as it warms. Alternatively, warm in the oven at 325 degrees F covered with foil. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs can work well, but they will cook faster so keep an eye on the grill to prevent overcooking. Adjust your grilling time accordingly and always check the internal temperature.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

The recipe recommends a minimum of 2 hours for marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate. You can marinate for up to 8 hours if desired, but avoid going longer to prevent the lemon juice from starting to “cook” the chicken.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce complements the lemon and herb flavors beautifully. Whether store-bought or homemade, look for one that isn’t too spicy so it balances well with the citrus and herbs.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can achieve delicious results by broiling the chicken in the oven and finishing with a quick glaze of barbecue sauce under the broiler. Just watch carefully to avoid burning the sauce.

Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken thighs?

Bone-in thighs tend to stay juicier and have more flavor on the grill, but if you prefer boneless, they will work too—just adjust cooking times as boneless pieces cook faster.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like summer on a plate, then this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Barbecue Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet flavorful enough to impress guests. I promise once you taste that perfect balance of tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, and sweet barbecue glaze, this recipe will become a fast favorite in your grilling lineup. So, fire up your grill and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret a single bite!

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