Go Back
- Chicken and Marinade - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 large lemon (zested and juiced) - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh Herbs and Spices - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Optional Garnishes - Lemon wedges for serving - Grilled vegetables or a garden salad for a colorful side When cooking Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, the right ingredients make all the difference. You want fresh flavors that shine. The chicken breasts should be plump and fresh. The marinade features olive oil, lemon, and garlic. These ingredients create a bright and zesty flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley add a lovely touch at the end. Dried herbs like oregano and thyme give depth to your dish. Smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth without overpowering. Feel free to play with optional garnishes. Lemon wedges add zest and color. Grilled veggies or a salad make great sides. They complete your meal beautifully. For the full recipe, you can find all the details listed above. Now, gather your ingredients and get ready for a delicious experience! Preparing the Marinade First, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk it well. This blend creates a bright marinade that adds flavor to the chicken. Coating the Chicken Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate the chicken for at least one hour. For even more flavor, let it sit for up to four hours. Preheating the Grill As the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is key for a nice sear on the chicken. A hot grill helps lock in juices and gives you those beautiful grill marks. Cooking Times and Techniques After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag. Let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to keep everything safe. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for about six to seven minutes on each side. Check the chicken's internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). The meat should no longer be pink. Resting the Chicken Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Let it rest for about five minutes. This resting period is important. It allows the juices to settle, making the chicken more tender and juicy. Garnishing Tips Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the grilled chicken for freshness and color. You can also add lemon wedges around the platter. This adds a nice touch and gives your meal a zesty pop. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to make this dish shine! To get juicy chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is about 375°F to 450°F. A hot grill gives the chicken a nice sear. This locks in the flavor and moisture. Use a grill thermometer to check the heat. If you don’t have one, hold your hand about six inches above the grill. Count to three; if it’s too hot to hold, it’s ready. To keep the chicken from sticking, clean the grill grates first. Use a grill brush before heating. Then, oil the grates lightly. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil. Grab it with tongs and wipe the grates. This creates a non-stick surface. It helps the chicken release easily when it’s done cooking. Want to mix it up? Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to the marinade. You can also use different citrus juices, like orange or lime. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Each choice gives a new twist to the classic recipe. For the best results, use a good set of tongs and a spatula. Tongs let you flip the chicken without piercing it. This keeps the juices in. A meat thermometer is also a must. It ensures your chicken reaches 165°F. This keeps it safe to eat and perfectly cooked. You might also want a grill basket for vegetables. It makes grilling easy and fun! For the full recipe, check out my Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken guide. {{image_4}} Different Citrus Options You can switch up the citrus in this recipe. Try using lime or orange juice instead of lemon. Each option gives a unique taste. Lime adds a sharp, fresh kick. Orange offers a sweeter, milder flavor. Experiment to find your favorite! Adding Heat with Spices If you like spice, add some heat! A pinch of cayenne pepper works well. You could also try red pepper flakes for a nice kick. Adjust the amount to match your heat level. This change can make the dish even more exciting. Chicken Alternatives This recipe is not just for chicken breasts. You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. If you want a different protein, try turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Each choice brings its own flavor and texture. Herb Variations Feel free to swap herbs based on your taste. Fresh basil or cilantro can add a fresh twist. You can also use rosemary or dill for a unique flavor. Don't be afraid to mix herbs to create your personal blend. Refrigeration Guidelines After your meal, store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken cools down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours. It will stay fresh for up to four days. Label the container with the date, so you know when to use it. Freezing Instructions If you want to save chicken for later, freezing is a great choice. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Squeeze out all the air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Best Methods for Reheating Grilled Chicken To reheat grilled chicken, use your oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This keeps the chicken moist. Another option is using a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, checking often. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. For more details on preparing the chicken, check the Full Recipe. You should marinate the chicken for at least one hour. This time allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade. For the best taste, try marinating for up to four hours. Longer marination can enhance the taste and keep the chicken juicy. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. Bone-in chicken can add more flavor and moisture. Just remember, cooking times will change. Bone-in pieces may take a bit longer to cook through. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). Many sides go well with Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken. Here are a few ideas: - Grilled vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus) - A fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette - Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes - Rice pilaf with herbs and lemon zest These sides will complement the bright flavors of the chicken and create a balanced meal. For the full recipe, refer back to the section above! This guide covered everything you need for Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken. We discussed ingredients, marinating, grilling, and adding flavors. Remember to rest the chicken after cooking for the best taste. Keep your grill hot and check for sticking. Try different herbs and spices to make it your own. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later. With these tips, you can create a tasty meal anytime. Enjoy your cooking journey and make each dish your favorite!

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Elevate your summer grilling with this zesty lemon herb grilled chicken recipe that's bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant mix of fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs create a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple step-by-step instructions to achieve tender and delicious results. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends at your next barbecue!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 large lemon (zested and juiced)

3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until it is thoroughly blended, creating a vibrant marinade.

    Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously coated on all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour; allowing up to 4 hours will enhance the flavor even more.

      Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, preparing for a delightful sear.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off; discard the leftover marinade—this step is key to avoid any contamination.

          Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on it. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is no longer pink in the center.

            After cooking, transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute for a tender result.

              Before serving, sprinkle the grilled chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, arrange the grilled chicken on a large platter, accompanied by vibrant grilled vegetables or a refreshing garden salad. Add lemon wedges around the platter for a bright splash of color and a zesty touch to the meal. Enjoy!