Loading…

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, as they grill well and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great too! They have more flavor and can be a bit more forgiving when cooking.

Olive Oil: This oil adds richness to the marinade. If you’re out of olive oil, grapeseed oil or avocado oil can be good substitutes. They also have high smoking points which are great for grilling.

Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but I’d recommend about 1 teaspoon to maintain the garlic taste.

Lemons: Fresh lemons are key for zest and juice; they add brightness. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh gives the best flavor. Adding zest enhances the lemony aroma!

Herbs: Fresh herbs are always the best, especially thyme and parsley for this recipe. Dried herbs can substitute, but remember to use less (about one-third of the amount) since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How Can I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?

Marinating is a simple way to enhance the chicken’s flavor. The key is letting it soak in the marinade! Here’s how to do it right:

• Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Whisk well to blend flavors.
• Add chicken breasts into a resealable bag or shallow dish, ensuring they’re fully covered with the marinade.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate. Aim for at least 1 hour, but 2-4 hours is best for deep flavor.

As a tip, poke a few holes in the chicken with a fork before marinating. This allows the flavors to penetrate better!

How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

• Lemon slices

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious grilled chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour to marinate (preferably 2-4 hours for the best flavor). Once marinated, grilling will take about 12-14 minutes. So, set aside a couple of hours (including marinating) before you dig in!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, rosemary (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to create a tasty marinade that will infuse the chicken with lots of flavor.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Take your clean chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and pop it in the fridge. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, 2-4 hours will give you even more flavor!

3. Preheat the Grill:

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Once the grill is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any extra marinade. Place the chicken breasts directly on the grill. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they have beautiful grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Let It Rest:

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, making it extra juicy!

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Finally, serve your grilled lemon herb chicken with fresh lemon slices and extra herbs for garnish. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy creation! It’s perfect for a summer dinner or a family gathering!

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture, making them a great substitute. Just ensure they are cooked to the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour and up to 4 hours. For more intense flavor, feel free to marinate overnight in the fridge. Just be careful not to marinate too long, as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the meat.

How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop, and add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Can I Grill This Chicken Indoors?

If you don’t have a grill, you can sauté the chicken in a skillet or use a grill pan on the stovetop! Just make sure to cook it over medium-high heat and follow the same cook time for great results.