Keto Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

Tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic blend and grilled to smoky perfection, ideal for a low-carb keto meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and charred at edges. Flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Keto Grilled Lemon-Garlic 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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Grilled Lemon-Garlic 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 Keto Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Keto Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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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