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Grilled Soy Sauce Lemon Chicken

Grilled Lemon Soy Sauce Chicken is juicy and tender, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce then grilled to perfection!

Chicken thigh being picked up with tongs.


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We love chicken recipes in our house and this one does not disappoint and is quick and easy to throw together. This soy sauce chicken recipe can be on the grill and on your plate in just 30 minutes with a side of these Frozen Brussel Sprouts in Air Fryer. If you love super-easy grilled dinners you'll have to check out my Sweet n Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs, Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa, or my Grilled Chicken Club!

Ingredients for Soy Sauce Chicken

All the ingredients needed.

Marinade Ingredients

  • Olive oil: I like to use extra virgin
  • Soy sauce: I use low-sodium soy sauce but regular will also work.
  • Brown sugar: Either light or dark will work.
  • Thyme: Both dried and fresh will work.
  • Red pepper flakes: This is optional but adds a great level of flavor.

How to grill soy sauce chicken

Ingredients for the marinade placed in a bowl and mixed. Then tossed with chicken thighs.
  • Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a small bowl or large ziplock freezer bag and mix until combined.
  • Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl or large ziplock bag and pour the soy sauce chicken marinade over the top and mix around until well coated.

Marinated chicken placed on a grill and cooked.
  • Step 3: Place chicken on a hot grill on medium-high heat and discard the chicken marinade.
  • Step 4: Cook the chicken until cooked through and using a meat thermometer check that the internal temperature reaches 164 degrees and the juices run clear.

Why this recipe works

This recipe uses simple ingredients but has lots of flavors! Whether you're making this recipe for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner. The whole family will love it served with a side of Smoked Mac and Cheese, and Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes.

A platter of grilled chicken thighs.

Recipe tips

  • Get the lemon zest from your lemon first then squeeze the fresh lemon juice out of it.
  • I recommend letting it marinate for at least 24 hours, so it soaks up all that amazing flavor!
  • If you don't have an outdoor grill you'll love this smokeless indoor grill.
  • Red pepper flakes- this is optional but adds a great level of flavor.

A slice cut out of a chicken thigh.

Recipe FAQ's

Can I use breasts or drumsticks?

Absolutely, just note if you choose boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless thighs it will take less time than bone-in. Chicken wings would even be delicious!

Can I bake this recipe?

Of course! Place the marinated chicken thighs in a 9x13 baking dish or baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. You can switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes to caramelize the skin a bit.

How to store leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Chicken thigh being picked up with tongs.

Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe

4.95 from 19 votes
Written By: Wendie
Grilled lemon soy sauce chicken is juicy and tender, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce then grilled to perfection!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 382

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 6 chicken thighs bone in with skin on

Instructions
 

  • 1. Mix ingredients, except chicken, in a bowl.
  • 2. Add chicken to the bowl, coating completely in the marinade.
  • 3. Cover the bowl and marinate for 30 minutes on the counter for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
  • 4. Heat grill to medium heat. Place chicken on the grill.
  • 5. Turn every 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through to 165ยฐF. Approximately 20-25 minutes

Video

Notes

This smokeless indoor grill works great.
Chicken legs will also work and breasts but chicken breasts will cook much faster.
You can use 1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme instead of fresh
The length of time it takes to cook depends on the internal temperature of the chicken when itโ€™s placed on the grill, the temperature of the grill, and the size of the chicken.
Put some lemon slices on the grill for the last 5 minutes of the chicken for a grilled lemon garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 31gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 643mgSugar: 4g
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course Entrees
Cuisine American
4.95 from 19 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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One Comment

  1. This recipe sounds great! But 1 thing is that I don't own a grill. Can I make this in the oven? If so can you tell me how to do it Please? I look forward to hearing back from you soon, I hope!

    Thank you
    Greg Frye