Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

$- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless) - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken shine, focus on freshness. Choose fresh chicken breasts; they should be firm and pink. Fresh lemons give the best juice and zest. Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size. Fresh herbs add great flavor. If you can, buy them from a local market. When using dried herbs, check the expiry date. They lose flavor over time. Good olive oil enhances the dish, so pick a high-quality brand. Each serving has about 220 calories. The chicken provides lean protein, which is great for muscle health. The olive oil offers healthy fats, while the lemon juice adds vitamin C. Garlic is not just tasty; it’s also good for your immune system. Overall, this dish is light, fresh, and packed with flavor, making it a smart choice for a healthy meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a mixing bowl. In this bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients well. The lemon juice and zest give a bright flavor. The herbs add depth. This marinade is the key to juicy chicken. Next, take your chicken breasts. You need four pieces, boneless and skinless. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. This step helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. When you're ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the chicken and serve it. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a nice touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal! Grilling chicken can be simple with a few best practices. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Avoid flipping the chicken too often. Let it sit for about 6-7 minutes on one side. This gives nice grill marks and locks in flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Juicy chicken starts with a good marinade. For this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, use fresh lemon juice and olive oil. These ingredients not only add flavor but also keep the chicken moist. Marinate the chicken for at least one hour. If you have more time, marinate it overnight for richer taste. After grilling, let the chicken rest for five minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender. While the recipe calls for lemon, garlic, and herbs, you can try different seasonings. For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweet touch, mix in honey with the marinade. Fresh herbs like basil or rosemary can add unique flavors too. Experimenting with seasonings keeps the dish exciting and fun! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken, locking in juices and flavor. Resting Period: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier and more flavorful bite. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the marinade, such as rosemary or basil, to customize the flavor profile of your grilled chicken. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs to suit your taste. If you want a different flavor, try using: - Basil for a sweet touch. - Rosemary for a strong scent. - Cilantro for a fresh kick. - Dill for a bright taste. Mix and match these herbs to create your own special blend. Each choice adds a new twist to your dish. You don't need a grill to enjoy this chicken. You can cook it in your oven or under a broiler. Oven Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. 3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Broiler Method: 1. Preheat the broiler. 2. Place the chicken on a broiler pan. 3. Broil for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Serve it with a fresh green salad. - Pair it with roasted vegetables for a healthy meal. - Add some rice or quinoa for a filling option. - Squeeze more lemon on top for extra zest. These sides enhance the meal and make it even better. Enjoy your culinary adventure! You can keep leftover Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This will help avoid extra moisture inside. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great choice. Wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. When you are ready to eat, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat on medium for 1 to 2 minutes. Check that the chicken is hot all the way through. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it, and bake for about 15 minutes. This keeps the meat moist and tasty. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken! You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. This time lets the flavors soak in. For the best taste, try marinating overnight. It makes the chicken juicy and packed with flavor. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces take longer to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. The marinade will still work well with bone-in chicken. Great sides for this dish include: - Grilled vegetables - Rice pilaf - Fresh salad - Garlic bread These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They balance the lemony taste of the chicken. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade! You learned how to make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken through clear steps and useful tips. I shared my favorite ingredients for a great dish and how to grill chicken that stays juicy. Explore different herbs, cooking methods, and tips to serve it well. Don't forget about storing leftovers or reheating them right. Now you have all you need to impress at your next meal. Enjoy your cooking journey and the flavors you create!$

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in lemon juice and herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 piece Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the top, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best flavor).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the leftover marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve the grilled chicken garnished with fresh parsley and slices of lemon, if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight.

Keyword chicken, grilled, herb, lemon, marinade