Zesty Lemon-Pepper Grilled Chicken Thighs
Experience a burst of flavor with these succulent grilled chicken thighs, marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic rosemary, and a hint of pepper. Perfectly charred on the BBQ, these chicken legs are ideal for summer patio dinners or family gatherings. The marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses each bite with savory goodness, making this dish a favorite for cookouts and outdoor feasts. Serve alongside your choice of grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
700
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken legs with thigh
8 (cleaned and trimmed)
olive oil
1/2 cup (extra virgin)
fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup (juiced from fresh lemons)
chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (freshly chopped)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a shallow bowl or baking dish, arrange the chicken legs, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped rosemary, salt, and ground pepper until well combined.
3
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly.
4
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
5
When ready to grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, allowing it to reach the desired temperature.
6
Carefully place the marinated chicken legs on the grill. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning once or twice, until the chicken is browned and has grill marks on all sides.
7
For gas grills, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, checking for doneness occasionally. The chicken should be no longer pink inside.
8
For charcoal grills, move the chicken to the edges of the grill and cover, cooking over indirect heat. Check for doneness after 20 minutes and continue cooking if necessary, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
9
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Zesty Lemon-Pepper Grilled Chicken Thighs!
Nutrition Information
50g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
50g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cut of meat used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 chicken legs with the thigh attached, cleaned and trimmed.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
What are the key ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and ground pepper.
What is the total calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 700 calories.
Is this chicken recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is very low in carbohydrates, containing only 2.5g per serving.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I cook this on a gas grill?
Yes, start on medium-high heat for 10 minutes, then reduce to low for an additional 20 minutes.
How do I cook this on a charcoal grill?
Grill over direct heat to sear, then move the chicken to the edges for indirect heat for about 20 minutes.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 50 grams of protein per serving in this recipe.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the most zesty and aromatic flavor.
Can I substitute the fresh rosemary?
While fresh rosemary provides the best aroma, you can use dried rosemary in smaller quantities if necessary.
How much fat is in this dish?
The dish contains 50g of fat, largely from the chicken thighs and olive oil marinade.
What should I serve with Zesty Lemon-Pepper Grilled Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables or a crisp, refreshing salad.
Do I need to rest the chicken after grilling?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute for a more succulent bite.
How many chicken legs does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 8 chicken legs with thighs.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The recipe contains negligible fiber, as it is primarily meat and oil-based.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 6 total ingredients: chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined.
What heat setting should the grill start at?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat initially.
How often should I turn the chicken during the first phase?
You should turn the chicken once or twice during the first 10 minutes of grilling.
What is the characteristic flavor profile of this dish?
It features a zesty lemon citrus note combined with aromatic rosemary and savory black pepper.
Is this dish suitable for summer cookouts?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe ideal for patio dinners and family gatherings.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
You can, but thighs are used here for their succulence; breasts will require shorter cooking times to avoid drying out.
How do I ensure the chicken isn't raw inside?
Check that the meat is no longer pink inside and ideally use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F.
What is the prep for the rosemary?
The rosemary should be freshly chopped to release its aromatic oils.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
No, it is flavorful and zesty due to the pepper and lemon, but it is not heat-spicy.