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Zesty Lemon-Pepper BBQ Seasoning for Chicken and Juicy Grilled Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 34 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A zesty and flavorful lemon-pepper BBQ seasoning blend perfect for chicken thighs, delivering juiciness with a balanced mix of salt, sugar, smoky paprika, and citrusy lemon. This versatile rub enhances grilled chicken with a bright and savory crust that’s deliciously caramelized and tender inside.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Zesty Lemon-Pepper BBQ Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed; dark brown sugar can be used for deeper molasses flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons coarse ground black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder (not garlic salt)
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional; can substitute with ground mustard seed)
  • 1 teaspoon dried lemon peel, ground (granulated or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Grilled Chicken Thighs

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola oil)
  • 2 tablespoons zesty lemon-pepper BBQ seasoning (from above; up to 3 tablespoons for heavier crust)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Make the seasoning mix: In a small mixing bowl, combine kosher salt, light brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, ground dried lemon peel, lemon pepper seasoning, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly, breaking up any brown sugar clumps with the back of a spoon. For a finer texture, pulse the mix in a spice grinder for 5 to 10 seconds to evenly distribute ingredients.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning: Sample a tiny pinch to check for balance. Add another 1/2 teaspoon ground dried lemon peel for more lemon pop or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for deeper BBQ flavor if needed. Transfer seasoning to a clean jar and store in a cool, dry cabinet for up to 2 months.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure better browning and less steaming on the grill. Place them on a rimmed sheet pan or platter.
  4. Apply oil and seasoning: Drizzle the neutral oil over the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the zesty lemon-pepper BBQ seasoning evenly over both sides, pressing lightly so the rub adheres well. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes at room temperature if time allows, which helps salt penetration.
  5. Preheat the grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates or pan surface to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for 6 minutes on the first side with the grill lid closed if using an outdoor grill, aiming for steady browning and slight char around edges without burning the sugar.
  7. Flip and finish grilling: Turn the chicken and grill for another 6 minutes. Check the thickest piece’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer, aiming for 175°F for tender, juicy thighs.
  8. Rest and serve: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Optionally, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright citrus snap.
  9. Additional uses and tips: This BBQ seasoning rub can be used for bone-in skin-on thighs or drumsticks (1 tablespoon per pound, cook to 175°-185°F), wings (1 tablespoon per pound, bake or air fry until crisp), and vegetables such as zucchini, corn, and mushrooms (toss with oil and seasoning, then grill until browned). Adjust sweetness, smokiness, and salt to taste for perfect BBQ balance.

Notes

  • Use kosher salt like Diamond Crystal for best seasoning control.
  • Coarse ground black pepper gives a classic lemon-pepper bite.
  • Letting seasoned chicken rest before grilling helps the salt penetrate.
  • Maintain medium-high heat on the grill to avoid burning sugar in the rub.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken thighs (175°F).
  • The BBQ seasoning blend stores well for up to 2 months but will gradually lose citrus aroma.
  • For a finer spice texture, pulse in a spice grinder before storing.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/zesty-lemon-pepper-bbq-seasoning-for-chicken-and-juicy-grilled-thighs-recipe-2/