Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s loaded with bright, zesty flavors and the kind of herbaceous aroma that draws everyone to the table, look no further than Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a tumble of fresh herbs—the entire meal is sunshine on a plate, perfect for weeknights or impressing guests at your next backyard get-together.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how a simple lineup of kitchen staples creates magic: every ingredient here has a starring role in making Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken sing. The zesty citrus, garden-fresh herbs, and a glug of good olive oil do all the heavy lifting for juicy, crave-worthy results!

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose plump and even-sized pieces for the juiciest texture and easiest grilling.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed makes all the difference, adding brightness and tenderizing the chicken.
• White Wine Vinegar (or Red Wine Vinegar): This adds tang and depth, perfectly balancing the citrus and herbs.
• Garlic: Five cloves may sound generous, but it infuses the marinade with a mellow, savory backbone.
• Fresh Basil, Mint, and Parsley: This trio brings a vibrant, herbaceous punch—don’t skimp!
• Dried Oregano: Your classic Mediterranean secret, providing earthy, aromatic flavor.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors—and don’t be shy with a few cracks of black pepper.
• Olive Oil: Smooths out the marinade, locks in moisture, and promotes gorgeous grill marks.
• Lemons (one sliced, one in wedges): Optional, but grilled lemon slices are a beautiful garnish and perfect for squeezing.
• Fresh Parsley for Garnish: Optional, but a sprinkle on top makes every plate irresistible.

Variations

One of the joys of Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is how forgiving and adaptable it is. Play around with the herbs, switch up the acid, or adjust the marinade to fit your mood or pantry—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Swap the Herbs: Go heavy on dill or cilantro if you’re feeling adventurous, or add thyme or rosemary for a more robust flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a touch of gentle heat.
• Citrus Twist: Try using lime or orange juice in place of lemon for a fun, new flavor profile.
• Chicken Thighs: If you love a richer bite, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
• Oven or Stovetop: No grill? No problem. These marinated beauties cook up perfectly on a grill pan or in a heavy skillet indoors.

How to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Pound and Prep the Chicken Breasts

Lay each chicken breast between pieces of wax paper on a cutting board, then gently pound them to an even 1-inch thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet. This ensures everything cooks evenly and stays juicy, plus it’s a simple trick for super-tender grilled chicken. If your breasts are already on the thinner side, you can happily skip this step.

Step 2: Whip Up the Lemon Herb Marinade

Open a large resealable bag and anchor it in a mixing bowl for stability. Whisk together lemon juice, wine vinegar, minced garlic, basil, mint, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper right in the bag. Slowly stream in the olive oil and whisk again to fully emulsify the marinade—this step is where all that sunshiny, garden-fresh flavor comes together.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Slip your chicken breasts into the bag of marinade. Seal it carefully, then massage the marinade all around to coat every piece. Place the bag on a plate or small rimmed baking sheet (for spill protection!) and transfer to the refrigerator. Let the flavors mingle for at least an hour, or marinate up to 8 hours if you have the time—overnight is fantastic for extra flavor!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium or medium-high. Brush the grates with a touch of vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then lay the marinated chicken directly over the heat. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, aiming for gorgeous char lines and an internal temperature of 165°F. Charred lemon slices (if using) can be tossed on the grill next to your chicken for the last couple of minutes—they’re absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

After grilling, let the Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken rest for 5 minutes (crucial for juiciness!), then arrange on a platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with additional parsley if you like. Serve with extra lemon wedges for that irresistible, customizable finish.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken loves a finishing flourish! Brighten each plate with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a few grilled lemon slices, and even a handful of fresh mint leaves for a stunning, summery presentation.

Side Dishes

This chicken is deliciously adaptable—pair with herbed rice pilaf, orzo tossed with olive oil, a crisp Greek salad, or even some grilled summer vegetables. Crusty bread to mop up the tangy juices is practically mandatory!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken and piling it into pita pockets with tzatziki, or adding thin slices atop a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad. For a party, turn them into skewers or sliders and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any extra Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it a next-day lunch dream.

Freezing

Once cooked and cooled, arrange the chicken in a single layer with parchment between pieces and freeze in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating or slicing cold for salads.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through, or enjoy cold atop salads or grain bowls. A quick zap in the microwave also works—just watch to avoid drying so that the chicken stays tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love a burst of fresh flavor and minimal effort in the kitchen, give this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken a try. Trust me, once you taste how bright and aromatic it is, you’ll want to add it to your weekly rotation—here’s to delicious dinners and happy gatherings around the table!

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