Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemon and rosemary, grilled to a perfect golden finish with a bright citrus aroma. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs), turning to coat evenly. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down if present, and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 1 lemon (thinly sliced) on the grill for 2 minutes to char slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with grilled lemon slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Thighs?

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 Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Thighs?

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 Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Thighs 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.

What goes well with Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Thighs?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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