This Ultimate Lemon Grilled Chicken recipe will win you over if you enjoy grilled chicken with a tempting twist. Envision delicate, juicy chicken breasts flavored with zesty, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon. This summertime grilling staple is sure to be a hit with your guests because every mouthful is like a kiss from the sun.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Grilled Chicken
- Flavor Explosion: This dish takes the ordinary chicken breast to a whole new level with its zesty and flavorful blend of herbs, lemon, and garlic.
- Easy Preparation: Perfect for hectic weeknights or leisurely weekend cookouts, this recipe requires little in the way of hands-on work and a simple marinade.
- Healthy and Light: There are little calories and fat grams in grilled chicken, and the lemon marinade gives it a zesty, flavorful boost.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This lemon grilled chicken will be the talk of the town whether you’re having a backyard BBQ or bringing a picnic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure to coat them evenly. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat (around 400°F/205°C).
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the grilled lemon chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Grilled Chicken
- Pound the chicken: For even cooking, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Make sure to leave some space between the chicken pieces to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
- Baste during grilling: For an extra burst of flavor, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender final product.
Serving Suggestions
You can’t go wrong with this Ultimate Lemon Grilled Chicken and any number of side dishes. For some ideas, consider the following:
- Arrange the chicken on top of a bed of light quinoa or rice and drizzle with the chicken’s lemon juices.
- Serve with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a fresh Greek salad.
- Make a tasty gyro-style dinner by encasing grilled pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables.
- For a full and vibrant dinner, try it with grilled veggies like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Sure thing! Grilled chicken thighs retain more juice and have a fuller flavor than white meat. If necessary, simply modify the cooking time.
Q: Can I make this recipe with bottled lemon juice?
You can use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have any fresh, but the flavor isn’t quite the same. You should be aware that the flavor can be a tad muted.
Q: Can I marinate the chicken longer than 4 hours?
The acidity of the lemon juice can begin to dissolve the proteins and turn the chicken into mush if marinated for longer than four hours.
Q: Can I make this recipe on an indoor grill or grill pan?
Oh, without a doubt! You can simply cook this chicken with lemon grilling on a grill pan or indoor grill set over medium-high heat if you don’t have access to an outside grill.
Q: How should I store leftover grilled chicken?
Refrigerate any remaining lemon grilled chicken for up to three or four days in an airtight container. Tastes great cold or warmed up slowly in the microwave or stovetop.
Conclusion
A sunny summer evening isn’t complete without the enticing scent of lemon grilled chicken. The recipe’s success is a tribute to the flavor-explosive potential of basic, fresh ingredients. You can make this lemon grilled chicken for any occasion, from a backyard barbecue to a weeknight dinner when you’re trying to cut back on unhealthy eating. Get some lemons and a fire going on the grill; you’re about to have a taste of sunshine in every mouthful!
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