Grilled Chicken Thighs With Lemon Butter Sauce
35 min
|
easy
|
high-protein,
Mediterranean diet
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 20 min | 35 min |
Introduction
These grilled chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and drenched in a bright, garlicky lemon butter sauce you will crave.
It is a simple, weeknight-friendly recipe that still feels special enough for date night or casual entertaining.
The smoky grilled chicken paired with a rich, tangy pan sauce makes a comforting main dish with restaurant-style flavor at home.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Thighs:
Ingredients for Lemon Butter Sauce:
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How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs With Lemon Butter Sauce
-
Prep the chicken thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels so the oil and seasonings stick well.
Place the thighs in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle on garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, and black pepper, then toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Let the chicken rest while you heat the grill, at least 10 minutes.
-
Preheat and oil the grill
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium high heat, about 400°F.
Clean the grates, then lightly oil them using tongs and an oiled paper towel.
-
Grill the chicken thighs
Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill, smooth side down.
Grill for 5 to 7 minutes without moving them, until nice grill marks form.
Flip the thighs and grill another 5 to 7 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Transfer the chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 5 minutes.
-
Start the lemon butter sauce
While the chicken grills, mince the garlic and chop the parsley if you have not done so.
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and just turning golden, about 1 minute.
-
Finish the lemon butter sauce
Stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly reduced.
Turn off the heat, then stir in the chopped parsley.
Taste and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper if needed.
-
Serve the chicken with sauce
Place the grilled chicken thighs on a serving platter or plates.
Spoon the warm lemon butter sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece gets plenty of garlic and herbs.
Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if you like, then serve right away.
Substitutions
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs
- Swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Pound them to even thickness and grill a bit less, so they stay juicy and tender.
- Use ghee instead of butter
- Ghee brings a deeper, nutty flavor to the lemon sauce and holds up well to higher heat. The sauce will taste slightly richer but still bright from the lemon.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
- Vegetable broth works if you are out of chicken broth and keeps the sauce tasting light and fresh. Choose a low sodium broth so you can control the seasoning more easily.
Tips
- Dry chicken equals better browning
- Removing surface moisture helps the chicken sear instead of steam, which gives nicer grill marks and flavor. Always pat with paper towels right before seasoning.
- Watch internal temperature, not just time
- Grills vary, so use an instant read thermometer to check for 165°F in the thickest part. Pull the chicken off the grill as soon as it hits that number to avoid dryness.
- Let the chicken rest
- Resting lets the juices redistribute, so they stay in the meat instead of running all over your plate.
- Use fresh lemon for best flavor
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice tastes brighter and less bitter than bottled, which really matters in a simple pan sauce.
- Double the sauce for serving over sides
- If you plan to serve rice or potatoes, consider doubling the sauce for extra spooning over everything.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 303 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 26 | g |
| Total Fat | 18 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How can I grill the chicken thighs without them sticking?
- Make sure the grill grates are clean and well heated before adding the chicken. Oil the grates lightly, and do not try to flip the meat until it releases easily.
- Can I cook the chicken thighs on the stove instead?
- Yes, use a heavy skillet or grill pan over medium high heat and cook the thighs the same way. You may need a splash of oil in the pan to prevent sticking.
- How do I thicken the lemon butter sauce more?
- Let the sauce simmer a bit longer so more liquid evaporates and the flavors concentrate. You can also whisk in a small cold butter cube at the end for extra body.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can grill the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it chilled, then gently rewarm it in the oven. Prepare the sauce just before serving so it stays silky and does not separate.
Serving Suggestions
This grilled chicken with lemon butter sauce makes a lovely centerpiece for a relaxed dinner at home or with friends.
Try serving it with garlicky green beans, a crusty baguette, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce.
For a fun twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat and extra depth.
More pairings:
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