Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set up your grill for two-zone indirect cooking and preheat to 350°F in the indirect zone. For gas grills, light burners on one side only. For charcoal, pile coals on one side. Let preheat for 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed.
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Mix 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning with ½ cup oil in a bowl. Gently loosen the skin on each thigh and rub about 1 tablespoon of the oil mixture directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub remaining oil mixture over the outside of all thighs until every surface is coated.
- Place thighs skin-side up in the indirect zone, spacing them 1 inch apart. Close lid and cook for 20 minutes undisturbed. Flip skin-side down, close lid, and cook 15 minutes. Flip back to skin-side up and check internal temperature, looking for 165°F in the thickest part.
- While chicken cooks, melt 8 oz butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Add optional ½ teaspoon lemon pepper if desired. Keep warm but not bubbling.
- When chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, begin basting with lemon butter every 2 to 3 minutes. Apply 4 to 5 coats over the next 10 minutes as the chicken climbs to 175 to 185°F internal temperature. The butter should build up into a thick, glossy coating.
- Remove chicken from grill when it reaches 175 to 185°F. Spoon remaining butter over the top. Rest for 5 minutes uncovered, then serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
The key to crispy skin is patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning. Use indirect heat so the fat has time to render slowly. If your skin isn't crisping by the time the chicken reaches 170°F, move the thighs over direct heat. Give them the final 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Dark meat needs to reach 175 to 185°F for the collagen to break down. You get tender, fall-off-the-bone texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to restore crispy skin.
The butter coating will soften when refrigerated. It will regain its glossy appearance when reheated.