Lemon Ginger Zest Grilled Chicken Thighs
Delight your taste buds with these Lemon Ginger Zest Grilled Chicken Thighs. This gluten-free recipe features succulent chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon, aromatic ginger, and savory spices. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, the marinade imparts a tangy flavor that keeps the chicken moist and tender on the grill. With a hint of garlic and herbal notes from thyme and oregano, this dish brings a refreshing twist to your classic grilled chicken. Ideal for anyone looking for a delicious, gluten-free meal that everyone at the table will love.
6
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon Zest
1 (Zested)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons
Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Garlic Cloves
2-4 (Sliced)
Cooking Oil
4 tablespoons (Any neutral oil (e.g., olive, avocado))
Fresh Ginger
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Chicken Thighs
8-12 pieces (Bone-in or boneless, skinless)
Instructions
1
Begin by zesting the lemon using a citrus zester, microplane, or grater until you have sufficient zest.
2
In a mixing bowl, squeeze in the lemon juice and combine it with the lemon zest.
3
Add the gluten-free soy sauce, dried thyme, dried oregano, sliced garlic, cooking oil, and chopped fresh ginger to the bowl.
4
Whisk the ingredients together until well-blended, creating a smooth marinade.
5
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated by turning and mixing the chicken in the marinade.
6
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight for enhanced flavor.
7
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
8
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade to avoid any cross-contamination.
9
Place the chicken on the grill, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and the juices run clear.
10
Once done, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
2
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Ginger Zest Grilled Chicken Thighs?
They are succulent chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon, aromatic ginger, and savory spices, then grilled to perfection.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce as specified in the ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You can use 8-12 pieces of chicken thighs, either bone-in or boneless and skinless.
How long should I marinate the chicken for?
The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is ideal for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
What is the safe internal temperature for grilled chicken thighs?
The chicken should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features tangy lemon, aromatic ginger, savory garlic, and herbal notes from thyme and oregano.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, the recipe works well with both boneless and bone-in chicken thighs.
What tools are best for zesting the lemon?
A citrus zester, microplane, or a fine grater can be used to harvest the lemon zest.
What kind of cooking oil is recommended?
Any neutral oil like olive oil or avocado oil works well for the marinade.
Can I substitute the gluten-free soy sauce?
If you do not require the dish to be gluten-free, regular soy sauce can be used; otherwise, coconut aminos is a suitable alternative.
Which dried herbs are used in the marinade?
The marinade includes 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried oregano.
Is this chicken dish suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, it is a perfect refreshing twist for summer barbecues or easy weeknight dinners.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but you may want to increase the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Should I keep the marinade after removing the chicken?
No, you should discard the used marinade to avoid cross-contamination from the raw chicken.
How many chicken thigh pieces do I need?
The recipe calls for between 8 and 12 chicken thigh pieces.
Can I cook this chicken on a stovetop?
Yes, if you do not have a grill, you can use a grill pan or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is a low-carb option with only 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fresh ginger is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh ginger.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist and tender when served.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that breasts cook faster and may be less moist than thighs, so monitor the temperature closely.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat and that the grates are clean; the oil in the marinade also helps prevent sticking.
What side dishes pair well with this grilled chicken?
This chicken pairs well with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or light grains like rice or quinoa.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 to 4 sliced garlic cloves depending on your preference.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, the marinade can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Is lemon zest necessary if I already have lemon juice?
Yes, the zest provides a more intense lemon flavor and aromatic quality that the juice alone cannot provide.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.