Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

Grilled lemon chicken is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. Bursting with tangy lemon flavor and complemented by a savory herb marinade, this dish is a go-to for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prepping. Its versatility and simplicity make it perfect for pairing with various side dishes. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a slightly smoky char that’s as delicious as it is healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep time with a simple marinade.
2. Bursting with Flavor: Fresh lemon juice and zest make the chicken vibrant and zesty.
3. Healthy and Light: Low in calories, high in protein, and packed with fresh ingredients.
4. Customizable: Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks and pairs with any side.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim and Clean: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or sinew.
2. Flatten (Optional): For even cooking, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, honey, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Taste and Adjust: Adjust the salt or honey if necessary, depending on your flavor preference.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Marinate: Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
2. Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2–4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Flip Occasionally: If possible, turn the chicken halfway through marinating to ensure even flavor distribution.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

1. Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F).
2. Oil the Grates: Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove from Marinade: Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
2. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side for boneless breasts or thighs, or 7–9 minutes per side for bone-in pieces.
3. Use Lemon Slices: Add lemon slices to the grill during the last few minutes of cooking for a smoky citrus garnish.
4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with grilled lemon slices.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled lemon chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

1. Grains: Serve with fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the juices.
2. Vegetables: Pair with grilled asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a fresh garden salad.
3. Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or crispy potato wedges complement the flavors well.
4. Mediterranean Twist: Add a side of tzatziki sauce, hummus, or pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook: Overcooking chicken can make it dry. Use a thermometer to check for doneness.
2. Let It Rest: Always rest grilled chicken to preserve juiciness.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
4. Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Variations

1. Greek-Style Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the marinade for a creamy texture.
• Pair with a Greek salad and tzatziki sauce.

2. Spicy Lemon Chicken

• Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for heat.

3. Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

• Cut the chicken into cubes, marinate, and thread onto skewers. Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Balanced Flavors: The tanginess of lemon pairs beautifully with the savory garlic and herbs.
2. Moist and Juicy Chicken: The marinade tenderizes the chicken, keeping it moist even after grilling.
3. Versatility: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cook this chicken without a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during grilling.

3. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the chicken.

4. Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Double or triple the recipe as needed, and keep cooked chicken warm in a low oven until serving.

Yield: 4

Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

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Grilled lemon chicken is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. Bursting with tangy lemon flavor and complemented by a savory herb marinade, this dish is a go-to for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prepping. Its versatility and simplicity make it perfect for pairing with various side dishes. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a slightly smoky char that’s as delicious as it is healthy.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinating Time 30 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Marinade:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
3. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

3. Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off. Discard the used marinade.
2. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Avoid moving the chicken too much to achieve beautiful grill marks.

5. Rest and Serve

1. Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
2. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the chicken with a light side like a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or lemon herb rice.
• Add it to a sandwich, wrap, or salad for a versatile meal option.
• Serve with a dollop of tzatziki or garlic aioli for a creamy touch.

Notes

Tenderize the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the chicken.

Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.

Marinate Longer: For more robust flavor, let the chicken marinate for several hours or overnight.