Bursting with citrusy, herby goodness—perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs!
Servings: 4
Let’s face it—grilled chicken can sometimes be bland, but not this time! This grilled lemon herb chicken recipe is all about juicy, flavorful perfection. Growing up, we’d fire up the grill on summer evenings, and the smell of citrus and fresh herbs wafting through the air was a family favorite. This recipe combines tangy lemon with savory herbs, giving you chicken that’s tender, juicy, and anything but boring. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or your next BBQ, this one’s a keeper!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 large lemons (zest and juice)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Supplies Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it on the grill.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze grilled chicken for up to 2 months in a sealed bag. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent grilling.
- If you prefer extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill.
- Leftovers make a great protein topping for salads or wraps!
Variations
- Spicy Lemon Herb Chicken: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick.
- Mediterranean Twist: Mix in ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese and 1 tbsp chopped olives before serving.
- Citrus Blend: Use lime or orange juice for a different zesty flavor profile.
FAQ
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, or until fully cooked.
What sides pair well with this chicken?
Try grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just reduce the amount to ⅓ of the fresh measurement since dried herbs are more concentrated.
This grilled lemon herb chicken breast recipe is a game-changer for your dinner table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to make, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied. So go ahead, grab those lemons, and get grilling—this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 large lemons zest and juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it on the grill.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired.