If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner idea, look no further than Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs. This recipe combines the zesty brightness of lemon, the earthy warmth of garlic, and a touch of heat from chili pepper flakes to create a dish that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or even casual entertaining, these chicken thighs are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile. The chicken thighs are marinated to perfection with a blend of fresh cilantro, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes once marinated, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare.

Whether served with rice, cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or even stuffed into tortillas for tacos, Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with just about anything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious recipe:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons chili pepper flakes
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken bouillon, chili powder, chili pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Divide this flavorful mixture into two portions—one for marinating the chicken and one for serving later.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or a large bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor. Be sure to turn the bag occasionally to distribute the marinade evenly.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a serving plate and drizzle with the reserved lemon-garlic-cilantro mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

To make sure your Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet holds and distributes heat evenly, giving you that beautiful golden-brown sear on your chicken thighs. If you don’t have one, stainless steel works as well.
Preheat Your Skillet: Allow your skillet to heat up before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice sear and locks in those juices.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of searing.

What to Serve with Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some serving ideas to complete your meal:

Rice or Cauliflower Rice: A simple side of white rice or low-carb cauliflower rice soaks up all those delicious juices from the chicken.
Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a wholesome meal.
Tacos: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos along with fresh salsa and avocado slices.
Crisp Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the bold flavors of the chicken perfectly.

Can You Use Other Cuts of Chicken?

While this recipe is designed for chicken thighs because they remain moist and flavorful during cooking, you can absolutely use other cuts like chicken breasts. If you opt for breasts, slice them horizontally into thinner pieces before marinating to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), here’s how you can store them:

Refrigerate: Place the cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the chicken thighs in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

A New Dinner Favorite

Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are more than just another chicken recipe—they’re a game-changer for your dinner routine! With bold flavors, simple ingredients, and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

So grab your skillet and get cooking—you’re just a few steps away from enjoying tender, juicy Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs that everyone at your table will love!

Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs

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Tender and juicy on the inside, these Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs are your new dinner routine! Marinated with fresh cilantro, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chili pepper flakes, these seared boneless chicken thighs come out perfectly juicy and tender every time. Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, tortillas, or roasted veggies for a complete dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-seared
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine cilantro, 4 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken bouillon, chili powder, chili pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into two.
In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken thighs and half the marinade mixture. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the chicken thighs from the marinade.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs to the grill pan in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC), about 4-5 minutes per side.
Serve the Garlic Lemon Chicken Thighs with the remaining lemon-garlic-cilantro mixture on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

Cooking Tip: Use a large cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and a perfect sear.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or shred for tacos.
Alternative Cuts: While chicken thighs are preferred for their moisture and flavor, you can use chicken breasts. Slice them horizontally before marinating for even cooking.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.