Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken

Published June 24, 2020. Updated June 26, 2020

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Grilled chicken thighs (or chicken breasts) with a richly flavorful and bright, garlic and herb marinade! It’s a super simple recipe that packs a pleasant flavorful punch.

Six pieces of Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken shown overhead resting on a marble and wooden platter.

Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

I’ve made this recipe five times in the last few weeks so I figured it’s one of those must share and must try recipes.

You can never have too many chicken recipes but there are those that you have on repeat at the top of the list, this will most likely become one of them.

Especially if you are growing an herb garden and have an abundance of fresh herbs to put to good use.

If you don’t want to buy all the herbs listed I have made this using just the fresh parsley and basil then the rest you can use dried herbs (use 1/3 the amounts listed). But I think critical to keeping this recipe what it is, at least use those two fresh herbs.

After one taste you’ll see why I’m racing. A whole lot of freshness to savor in every bite, and it’s paired with an deliciously inviting aromatic scent too.

People will walk by the grill and instantly be craving whatever is soon to await them at the table.

Overhead image of garlic and herb marinated grilled chicken thighs with corn and roasted red potatoes as sides. Food is resting on a white plate set over a marble surface.

Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I don’t recommend using bone-in thighs as they take quite a bit longer to cook and by the time they are done the herbs will have burned up.
  • Olive oil: Stick with olive oil for best flavor in this recipe, I don’t recommend substitutes.
  • Lemon juice: Only use fresh lemon juice.
  • Fresh basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and thyme: the highlight of this recipe! Such a delicious Italian style blend!
  • Garlic: Stick with fresh not bottled or dried garlic for best flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: I like to use nearly 1 tsp salt and pepper.

Scroll down for measurements and directions listed in recipe box.

Image of ingredients used to make garlic herb grilled chicken and marinade. Includes olive oil, fresh basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic, lemon, salt and pepper.

How to Make the Marinade and Grill the Chicken Thighs

  • Make garlic herb marinade: In a medium mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I use about a scant 1 tsp salt and pepper, not included in nutrition estimate).
  • Pour marinade over chicken in bag: Place chicken in a gallon size resealable bag. Pour marinade mixture over chicken. Seal bag while pressing out excess air.
  • Rub with marinade, let rest in fridge: Rub marinade over chicken while turning pieces to evenly coat with herbs and garlic until it’s evenly distributed. Transfer to refrigerator and let marinate 1 – 8 hours.
  • Heat grill, cook chicken though: Preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat to about 425 degrees. Grill chicken until center registers 165 degrees in thickest portion, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Rest and garnish: Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil and parsley if desired.

Collage image including four images showing steps how to make chicken marinade and grill chicken on grill.

How Long to Grill Chicken Thighs

The grill time can vary based on several factors, things such as grill temperature, outside temperature, distance from flame, temp of chicken to begin with etc. For approximate times cooking at medium-high heat:

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 4 – 6 oz. each) take about 5 – 6 minutes per side.
  • For other recipes that use bone-in chicken thighs plan on about 10 – 12 minutes per side.
  • As always test for doneness to 165 degrees in thickest portion (read on an instant read thermometer).

Variations

  • Try the recipe using other blends of herbs. Another good option to try Is a poultry herb blend using parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram. Or a chimichurri style blend with cilantro, parsley and oregano.
  • Add extra garlic.
  • Try it with extra virgin olive oil for another flavor boost.
  • Opt for red or white wine vinegar in place of the lemon.
  • Use chicken breasts instead of thighs.

Close up image of grilled chicken with herbs on a white platter.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Thighs

Of course there are a world of possibilities here but for this grilled chicken thigh recipe I like one of these:

How to Reheat Grilled Chicken Thighs

  • Oven: reheat in the oven at 350 degrees on baking sheet lined with foil and greased until heated through. Plan on about 5 – 10 minutes and tent with foil if needed.
  • Microwave: Another option is to use the microwave for individual servings. Reheat on 50% power for a few minutes on a microwave safe plate.
  • Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a little olive oil, over medium-low heat just until heated through.

Close up image of single grilled chicken thigh.

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Close up image of grilled chicken with herbs on a white platter.
5 from 3 votes

Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs (or chicken breasts) with a richly flavorful and bright, garlic and herb marinade! It's a super simple recipe that packs a pleasant flavor punch.
Servings: 6
Prep15 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Marinating1 hour
Ready in: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I use a scant 1 tsp salt and pepper, not included in nutrition estimate).
  • Place chicken in a gallon size resealable bag. Pour marinade mixture over chicken. Seal bag while pressing out excess air.
  • Rub marinade over chicken while turning pieces to coat with herbs and garlic until it's evenly distributed.
  • Transfer to refrigerator and let marinate 1 - 8 hours.
  • Preheat a gas grill over medium-high heat to about 425 degrees.
  • Grill chicken until center registers 165 degrees in thickest portion, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil and parsley if desired.

Notes

  • *Chicken breasts may be substituted, use 6 (6 oz) chicken breasts. And check temp in center cooking right to 165. Don't cook higher or they'll start to dry out.
  • **I just measure halfway between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup on the liquid measuring cup.
  • I like to serve this chicken with parmesan roasted potatoes and grilled corn on the cob. 
Nutrition Facts
Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 237 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 144mg48%
Sodium 141mg6%
Potassium 504mg14%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 1855IU37%
Vitamin C 20mg24%
Calcium 76mg8%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

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12 Comments

  • mj

    I added dried herbs– as well as the fresh ones– to boost the flavor a bit.
    My family enjoyed it!

  • Angela

    To bake this chicken recipe in the oven same way for 400 or 425? About 20 mins. ? I don’t have a grill however I do have a cast iron that square one that has the lines that can give you those grill marks but that pan is pain to clean. Plus I don’t proper brush to clean it with which I need to get one. That’s why asking about the baking the chicken for this recipe in the oven.

    • Jaclyn

      Jaclyn Bell

      Yes I would bake it at 425 for about 20 mins or to 165 in the center. Or for more flavor you could pan sear (at least partially then finish in the oven).

  • Matt Robinson

    I’m always looking for a good reason to get on the grill, and this is one of them. Sounds amazing!

    • carol a lockett

      I make this all the time on the grill, sometimes with skin, I turn the burner under them off and light the other 2 half on so nothing burns then at the end I move them to the on burners so skin will crisp.

      • Jaclyn

        Jaclyn Bell

        Thanks for the tip! Happy to hear you’ve enjoyed the recipe!

        • Heidi

          I made this and it was phenomenal. My family loved it. I didn’t have fresh parsley so I used fresh chives, and added some extra lemon juice, but otherwise followed the recipe. I also made a double batch and marinaded vegetables to grill with the chicken and they were great also. Loved this!

  • CB

    The blend of herbs and lemon really made this chicken zing!

    I actually don’t have a grill and had only bone-in chicken so I broiled the chicken for 10 minutes or so and then roasted @350 for 45 minutes. I then flipped the pieces and broiled again for 10 minutes.

    Yummy served with the sauce /pan juices poured over rice. My kids were disappointed that I didn’t tuck sliced potatoes under the chicken.