Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in fresh herbs and garlic, served over lightly sautéed zucchini noodles for a paleo-approved meal. This Mediterranean-inspired paleo recipe (low carb), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a paleo week and pairs well with roasted root vegetables or a leafy salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken thighs skin side down for 6-7 minutes until grill marks form and skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and grill an additional 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: While chicken rests, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add spiralized 4 medium zucchini noodles and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is just tender but still has bite.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken thighs atop the zucchini noodles, spooning pan juices over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles paleo?

Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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