Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Greek Salad. This delightful combination brings together succulent chicken infused with bright citrus and aromatic herbs alongside a colorful, refreshing salad that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. The juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a simple but powerful blend of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs before being grilled to perfection, creating a dish that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare.

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The beauty of Mediterranean cuisine lies in its simplicity and emphasis on quality ingredients. This dish honors that tradition, letting the bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and quality olive oil shine through. The chicken develops a wonderful char on the grill while staying tender and juicy inside, and the colorful Greek salad provides a refreshing counterpoint with its crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese.

• For the Chicken:
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• For the Greek Salad:
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, cut into cubes
• 100 g (about ½ cup) Kalamata olives, pitted
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Marinate the chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs, toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

Prepare the grill

Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess.

Grill the chicken

Grill chicken thighs for 6–8 minutes per side, or until juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).

Make the salad

While the chicken is grilling, prepare the Greek salad: In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green bell pepper, feta, and olives. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, sprinkle with oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Rest and serve

Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve alongside the Greek salad.

For the juiciest chicken, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). If you're using a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill, make sure it's well-heated before adding the chicken to achieve those beautiful grill marks. For the best flavor in your salad, try to find ripe, in-season tomatoes and authentic Greek feta made from sheep's milk.

This versatile recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter version, use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. To make the dish dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. For a heartier meal, serve with warm pita bread or a side of lemon-herb roasted potatoes. You can also add fresh mint or dill to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.

Serve this Mediterranean feast on a large platter with the colorful salad arranged alongside the golden grilled chicken for a beautiful presentation. For an authentic Greek experience, pair it with a chilled glass of Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc. Complete the meal with warm pita bread and a small dish of tzatziki on the side for dipping. For a memorable dessert, offer a simple plate of honey-drizzled Greek yogurt topped with chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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Whether you're looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or planning a Mediterranean-themed gathering, this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Greek Salad delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The combination of char-grilled meat and fresh, vibrant vegetables offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. This recipe proves that sometimes the simplest preparations—bright lemon, quality olive oil, and fresh herbs—yield the most memorable meals.