This lemon herb grilled chicken is bright and tasty! With juicy chicken marinated in lemon juice and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for dinner or a barbecue.
I love how simple it is to make—just mix, marinate, and grill! Pair it with a salad and make everyone think you’re a kitchen rockstar! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they grill well and stay juicy. You can substitute thick chicken thighs for more flavor or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up this dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or melted coconut oil can also be good alternatives, providing a unique twist.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are classic here. If you run out, dried versions are fine, just use a smaller amount (1:3 dried to fresh). You might also try parsley or basil for a fresh taste.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but following a few simple steps can help you achieve greatness! The marinade not only infuses flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken, so don’t skip this step.
- Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high—this helps to sear the chicken for nice grill marks.
- Let any excess marinade drip off to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- Keep an eye on the chicken! It usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F/75°C is the goal).
- Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling is crucial. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays juicy!
Easy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lemon herb grilled chicken recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and a minimum of 30 minutes to marinate. You’ll need about 15 minutes of grilling time. In total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes from start to finish, with most of that time being the marinade soak.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will create a zesty marinade full of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated. Seal or cover and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it sit for 2 hours if you can.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel soaked in oil to help prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain its juices. Serve on a platter garnished with fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs, along with some lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.
This bright and flavorful grilled chicken is a fantastic main dish for a healthy meal or summer barbecue. Enjoy!
FAQ About Easy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw it first! Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before marinating for the best results.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the most flavor, aim for 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. Just avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the citrus from affecting the texture of the chicken!
Can I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Absolutely! Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Sides Pair Well with Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, quinoa, or even garlic bread. For a low-carb option, steamed broccoli or a cucumber salad works well too!