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Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Lemon Herb Chicken on the Grill

This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken transforms an ordinary backyard cookout into a culinary experience worth savoring. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, this dish balances bright, zesty notes with savory herbs for a taste that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: Grilled Chicken, Lemon Herb Chicken, Summer Recipe, Healthy Grilled Chicken
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 220kcal

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Resealable Plastic Bag
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 2 pounds
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 lemons juice and zest (about 1/4 cup juice)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons dried
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat lovers

For Garnish

  • lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  • Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly to emulsify the oil and lemon juice.
  • Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated by massaging the marinade into the meat.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight). Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even marinade distribution.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375-450°F).
  • Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  • Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
  • Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Slice the chicken against the grain if desired and garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional herbs.

Notes

For maximum flavor, crush the herb leaves slightly between your fingers before adding to release their essential oils.
A longer marination time of up to 24 hours will yield more flavor, but avoid exceeding this as the lemon juice can begin to "cook" the proteins, affecting texture.
For crosshatch grill marks, rotate the chicken 45 degrees halfway through cooking on each side.
Avoid repeatedly flipping or pressing on the chicken, which squeezes out precious juices.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 375mg | Fiber: 1g
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