Making lemon pepper chicken on the grill could not be easier. The perfect BBQ meal for the summer time with sweet citrus flavors balanced with smoky pepper.
Gather This
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this lemon pepper chicken- most of which you probably already have on hand! A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Chicken drumsticks – I prefer to leave skin on the chicken on for the added flavor, letting it get nice and crispy, but you can remove the skin if desired.
- Water
- Vegetable oil
- Dry minced onion
- Garlic cloves
- Black pepper
- Dried parsley
- Salt
- Dried basil
- Lemon juice
Don’t buy your lemon pepper marinade at the store, just make your own in minutes. It will have more flavor and you can adjust the salt content to your liking.
Make it A Meal
You can serve this grilled lemon pepper chicken with just about anything you’d like to! Some of my favorite sides include Vinegar Coleslaw, Cowboy Baked Beans, Wild Rice Pilaf and Warm German Potato Salad.
Because we generally make this chicken during the summer because it’s grilled, other grilled items go really well with it. I like Garlic Grilled Broccoli, Grilled Watermelon Steaks or even Herb Grilled Potatoes. And for dessert, why not try my Grilled Peaches or Grilled Pound Cake.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – I like to use coarse kosher salt to bring out the other flavors of this lemon pepper chicken. Feel free to add more at the end if you feel it needs it.
- Seasonings – Instead of dry herbs, try using fresh herbs instead! Especially if you have some in your garden.
- Swaps – You don’t have to use vegetable oil. You can use any oil you prefer, but I would suggest a neutral oil. Use whatever cut of chicken you prefer or a mix. You can even use this lemon pepper marinade on seafood or pork with excellent results.
- Sauces – This marinade is flavorful enough for me, but try dipping your cooked chicken in this lemon butter sauce for even more flavor.
- Senses – Smoky and sizzling, grilled lemon pepper chicken drumsticks hit the nose with zesty citrus and spice, while each juicy bite bursts with tangy, peppery flavor and tender, charred goodness.
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 13-14 chicken drumsticks skin on
- 4 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons dry minced onion
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Combine the13-14 chicken drumsticks, 1 cup water2 tablespoons vegetable oil , 2 tablespoons dry minced onion, minced 4 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, 1 tablespoon dried basil and 1 cup lemon juice all ingredients in an extra large airtight plastic bag. Seal and massage into chicken. Keep refrigerated for 2-24 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it will pack.
- Heat the grill to medium-high heat or surface temp of about 400°F. Lightly and carefully coat grill with cooking spray. Technically you should not use an aerosol near an open flame, but I think it works best.
- Place the chicken on the grill in indirect heat, discarding the marinade.
- Turning every 7-8 minutes for 30-35 minutes. Chicken should be an internal temperature of 165°F when measured away from the bone.
- Remove and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or rat ratings.
Nutrition
Storage and Freezing
Store leftover baked chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep the skin crispy.
Freeze cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Chicken for dinner doesn’t have to be boring! Here are some of my favorites that I know you’ll love.
Questions you might have about how to make grilled lemon chicken:
You used dried onion, can I use fresh onion? Fresh onion is delicious and will add even more flavor to this easy chicken marinade. The only reason I use the dried version in this recipe is ease. It is one of my
Can I use a different oil? You can also omit it.
Do I have to use chicken drumsticks? Nope!
There’s just something so comforting to me about lemon and chicken together! This recipe is great; we never have enough drumstick recipes (and they’re always so cheap!) so I’m always looking for new ways to make them. This was a winner for sure.
Love this grilled chicken recipe! So much flavor!
Your chicken looks delicious Jessica! Nothing like grilled chicken! Pinned and shared