Savory Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs: The Perfect Summer BBQ Recipe!

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If you’ve got herbs growing wild in your garden — or even a few pots on the porch — this recipe is one of the best ways to put them to work.
These grilled chicken thighs soak up a deeply flavorful marinade made with fresh rosemary, oregano, thyme, garlic, and lemon. The result? Juicy, savory bites with crispy edges and bold herbal flavor that tastes like summer on a plate.
Whether you’re cooking for a Father’s Day feast, a summery BBQ with friends, or just craving something rustic and satisfying, this one’s a keeper.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses fresh herbs you likely already grow
- Juicy, flavorful, and simple to grill
- Works for backyard BBQs or weeknight dinners
- Gluten-free and easy to double for a crowd
- Even better as leftovers in salads or wraps
📌 Quick Reference
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Key Ingredients at a Glance:
🌿 Fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano
🍋 Lemon juice
🧄 Garlic
🍗 Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
🫒 Olive oil
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless or bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus zest if desired)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Substitutions & Ingredient Notes:
- Use dried herbs if needed: substitute 1 teaspoon dried per tablespoon fresh.
- You can also use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor; just increase grilling time slightly.
- Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a deeper, tangy marinade twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour marinade into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours (or up to overnight).

2. Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high heat.
- Brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill chicken thighs for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they reach 165°F internal temperature and have nice grill marks.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve alongside grilled zucchini, corn, or flatbread.
- Pairs beautifully with fresh herb chimichurri or garden salsa.
- Leftovers are great chopped over a salad or in a wrap the next day.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on a skillet or in foil on the grill.
- Freezing: Freeze raw chicken in marinade for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before grilling.
Final Thoughts
These Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs are a go-to recipe in our garden kitchen — packed with flavor, simple to prep, and a sure way to make your backyard BBQ extra special. 🌿🔥
If you try them, let me know in the comments — or tag @SouthernSoilAndSunshine on social media so I can cheer you on!
🌸 Looking for more garden-grill inspiration?
Try:
- Grilled Flatbread with Garden Pesto & Tomatoes
- Zucchini & Eggplant “Steaks”
- Stuffed Grilled Bell Peppers

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