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Labor Day Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs - featured image

Labor Day Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

  • Author: Nadia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Juicy, caramelized chicken thighs grilled with a sticky honey garlic glaze and charred lemons for a smoky, sweet, and savory summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 large lemons
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for lemons and grill)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place in a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
  3. Pour marinade over chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Cut lemons in half crosswise and brush cut sides with oil.
  5. Grill lemons cut-side down for 3-4 minutes until deeply charred and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  6. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard used marinade.
  7. Place chicken skin-side down over direct heat. Grill for 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and releases easily.
  8. Flip chicken and move to indirect heat zone. Cover grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. While chicken cooks, simmer reserved marinade in a small saucepan for 3-4 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat.
  10. Brush chicken generously with simmered glaze. Return to direct heat for 1-2 minutes to caramelize.
  11. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  12. Squeeze charred lemon halves over chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the charred lemon as it adds essential smoky depth. Always simmer the glaze to kill bacteria from raw marinade. Honey burns easily, so apply glaze in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 22
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: grilled chicken, honey garlic chicken, labor day recipes, summer grilling, chicken thighs, easy dinner, charred lemon

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Find it online: https://yescook.online/labor-day-grilled-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy-30-min-meal/