Print

Crispy Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs Recipe with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

crispy grilled lemon herb chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe features juicy, crispy grilled chicken thighs marinated in lemon and fresh herbs, served with a cooling creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
  • Juice and zest of 2 medium lemons
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon kosher salt)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 small cucumber, finely diced or grated
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (for tzatziki)
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar (optional, for tzatziki)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for tzatziki)
  • Pinch of black pepper (for tzatziki)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped oregano, thyme, olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Add chicken to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Prepare tzatziki sauce by peeling and finely grating or dicing cucumber. Squeeze out excess moisture using a strainer or kitchen towel.
  4. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, chopped dill, minced garlic, red wine vinegar (if using), chopped mint (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  6. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6–8 minutes without moving to develop crispy skin.
  7. Flip chicken and grill for another 6–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use tongs to avoid piercing the meat.
  8. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
  9. Serve chicken topped with a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin. Avoid crowding the grill for even cooking. Flip chicken only once. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. For extra flavor, baste with boiled leftover marinade or olive oil during grilling. If no grill is available, roast skin-side up at 425°F for 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb chicken, crispy chicken thighs, tzatziki sauce, easy dinner, summer grilling, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-grilled-lemon-herb-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-creamy-tzatziki-sauce/