This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe is light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs add freshness, while grilling gives the chicken a smoky, charred finish. It’s an ideal dish to pair with salads, veggies, or even rice.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon slices for grilling or garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. The combination of fresh herbs and citrus creates a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-3 hours for maximum flavor. Avoid marinating for more than 12 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
- Preheat the grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 450°F). If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in your oven.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For extra flavor, you can also grill lemon slices alongside the chicken and use them for garnish.
- Rest and serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
- Optional garnish: Garnish with the grilled lemon slices and fresh herbs for added presentation and flavor.
Serve this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.
