There’s truly nothing like the sound of meat sizzling on the grill, filling the air with mouthwatering aroma. Especially when that meat is a savory, marinated chicken bursting with flavors of freshly squeezed lemon and a medley of herbs. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken captures the essence of summertime grilling in a dish that’s both simple to prepare and a joy to eat.
Whether you’re cooking for the family, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply wanting to enjoy a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is just the ticket. Let’s get started and bring some zest to your mealtime with this flavorful, heart-healthy chicken dish.
Choosing and Preparing your Chicken
In order to make the best Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, it’s important to start with the right kind of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly, are lower in fat and calories, but still pack a protein punch. If you prefer, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which have a bit more fat but tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Regardless of the cut, try to choose organic, free-range chicken if possible. These chickens tend to have a better flavor and texture compared to conventional chicken, and you can feel good knowing your meal is free from antibiotics and growth hormones.
The Marinade
The secret to incredibly flavorful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is in the marinade. A good marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken. For this recipe, you’ll need fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a blend of your favorite herbs. Some great options include rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together until they’re well blended. Place your chicken in a sealable bag, pour the marinade over it, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2 to 4 hours. If you’re really organized, you can do this the night before and let the chicken marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Grilling
Nothing beats the smoky flavor that grilling imparts to the chicken. Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it on the grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the final few minutes of grilling, you can brush the chicken with a bit more marinade for extra flavor. Just be sure not to use any marinade that came into contact with the raw chicken. Once grilled to perfection, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a sealable bag and pour the marinade over it.
- Leave in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes (plus marinating time)
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 255
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 4g