Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that combines zesty citrus notes with aromatic herbs to create a tender and juicy main course. Whether served as a standalone dish, paired with fresh salads, or incorporated into wraps and sandwiches, this grilled chicken recipe is sure to become a household favorite. With its simple marinade and easy preparation, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs infuses the chicken with vibrant, refreshing flavors.
2. Perfectly Juicy: A quick marinade ensures the chicken remains moist and tender on the grill.
3. Healthy Option: This recipe is naturally low in fat and packed with protein, making it ideal for a balanced meal.
4. Versatile: Enjoy it with vegetables, pasta, or even rice bowls for endless pairing options.

How to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, Dijon mustard, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the marinade and adjust the salt, pepper, or honey to your preference.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken (Optional): For even cooking, place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
2. Combine with Marinade: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. For the best flavor, aim for 2 hours.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Remove Excess Marinade: Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Grill Time: Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
2. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Garnish: Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve with grilled vegetables, a crisp salad, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
2. Marinate Longer for Intense Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours to deepen the flavors.
3. Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
4. Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps retain its juices.

Variations

1. Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime juice to the marinade for a different citrus flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
3. Herb Substitutions: Swap parsley and thyme for basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
4. Oven-Baked Option: Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Dishes: Pair with roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or garlic bread.
2. On the Go: Slice the grilled chicken and serve in wraps, sandwiches, or salads.
3. Meal Prep: Make extra servings to use throughout the week in various dishes like pasta or grain bowls.

Storage and Reheating

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken pieces work well but may require longer cooking times to ensure they are fully cooked.

2. What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven for similar results.

3. Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, the marinade can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Cooked chicken can be used in various dishes throughout the week.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. The bright and zesty flavors combined with the earthy herbs make it a refreshing and satisfying dish. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

Try this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe today and savor the simplicity and flavor of this classic dish!

Yield: 4

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

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Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that combines zesty citrus notes with aromatic herbs to create a tender and juicy main course. Whether served as a standalone dish, paired with fresh salads, or incorporated into wraps and sandwiches, this grilled chicken recipe is sure to become a household favorite. With its simple marinade and easy preparation, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
   
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts in a 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 and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for more flavor).
   
3. Preheat the Grill:
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
   
4. Grill the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Avoid flipping too often to get nice grill marks.
   
5. Rest and Serve:
   Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Serve With: Pair with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice for a complete meal.
• Variations: Use lime instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus flavor.
• Oven Option: If a grill isn’t available, bake the marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.