This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a tasty and juicy option for dinner! It’s simply marinated with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, giving it a bright flavor.
If you’re like me, grilling makes everything better! I love serving it with a side of veggies or a fresh salad—perfect for those sunny days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their quick cooking time. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, chicken thighs are a juicy alternative that works well too.
Olive Oil: Olive oil enhances the flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have olive oil, canola oil or avocado oil can be used as substitutes without losing much goodness.
Lemons: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can substitute, but freshly squeezed is much tastier and offers more vibrant flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme add wonderful aroma and flavor. If you only have dried herbs, you can use 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme as a substitute. Note that dried herbs will be stronger, so adjust to your taste.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides a delicious kick. You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable, but the amount will vary; start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is a crucial step for flavor and moisture. Here’s how to ensure you’re doing it right:
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking well to mix everything together.
- For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours is fantastic for flavor depth.
- Before grilling, let excess marinade drip off. This prevents flare-ups on the grill and helps achieve nice grill marks.
Don’t rush the marinating process; the more time it has, the more flavor your chicken will soak up!
How to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (up to 4 hours if you want extra flavor). Cooking on the grill should take about 15-20 minutes. So, overall, you can expect to spend around 1 hour, depending on your marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. This fresh and zesty marinade will give the chicken a wonderful flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will taste even better!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off, and then discard the leftover marinade.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink inside. This should give you juicy and flavorful chicken!
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the juices inside. To serve, plate the grilled chicken and garnish with lemon wedges and some fresh herbs. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken!
Can I Use Other Herbs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, you can substitute them with dried herbs—use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per tablespoon of fresh. Other excellent options are oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. If you plan to marinate for longer than that, it’s best to do it in the fridge and not exceed 24 hours to maintain the chicken’s texture!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! They may require an additional minute or two on the grill, but be sure to check that the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, try using the grill or oven to maintain the texture—just cover with foil to keep it moist. You can also slice it cold and toss it into salads or wraps!
