Grilled Lemon Soy Sauce 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. Not only is it quick and easy to throw together but it can be on the grill and on your plate in just 30 minutes. 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!

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 dinners, the whole family will love it and it will become your new favorite grilled recipe.

Ingredients for this recipe

Ingredient Notes

Olive oil- I like to use extra virgin
Soy sauce-regular or low sodium soy sauce will work.
Chicken thighs- I use bone-in and skin on thighs but you can certainly use boneless skinless thigh they will just cook much faster.
Brown sugar-Either light or dark will work.
Thyme- both dried or fresh will work
Red pepper flakes- this is optional but adds a great level of flavor.

How to make this recipe

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 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.
Step 4-Grill until cooked through and using a meat thermometer check that the internal temperature reaches 164 degrees and juices run clear.

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.

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 bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until 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.

Favorite sides for this recipe

Yield: 6

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

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons 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 165°F. Approximately 20-25 minutes

Notes

This smokeless indoor grill works great

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 it’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 Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 400Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 180mgSodium 1029mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 35g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on butteryourbiscuit.com should only be used as a general guideline.