Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic Aioli
Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in fresh lemon juice and thyme, paired with a rich garlic aioli for dipping. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, fresh lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While chicken grills, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with garlic aioli on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic Aioli 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 Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic Aioli?
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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic Aioli?
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-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic Aioli 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-Thyme Chicken Thighs with Garlic Aioli?
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.
