Grilled Turkey Thighs with Summer Herb Marinade

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

Juicy grilled turkey thighs marinated in a fresh summer herb and citrus blend, perfect for an outdoor festival feast. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 40 minutes blends olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh rosemary, chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp honey until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs (about 3 lbs) in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Remove turkey thighs from the marinade and let excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill the turkey thighs skin-side down for 7-8 minutes until the skin is nicely charred and crispy, then flip and grill for another 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Turkey Thighs with Summer Herb Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Turkey Thighs with Summer Herb Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Turkey Thighs with Summer Herb Marinade?

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 Turkey Thighs with Summer Herb Marinade 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 Turkey Thighs with Summer Herb Marinade?

American bbq & smoked 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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