Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Zest of 2 lemons - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish You need good quality chicken for this dish. Boneless, skinless breasts work best. The marinade is what makes this dish burst with flavor. Olive oil adds richness. Fresh lemon juice brightens the taste. Lemon zest gives it an extra punch. Garlic adds warmth. Rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring fresh herb notes. Salt and pepper help balance all the flavors. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 1 teaspoon honey for sweetness - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for tang If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. Honey can balance the tartness of the lemon. Want a bit of a tang? A touch of Dijon mustard works great. - Mixing bowl - Plastic wrap - Grill or grill pan - Meat thermometer - Tongs You need a mixing bowl to make the marinade. Plastic wrap keeps everything fresh while marinating. A grill or grill pan is key for that delicious char. A meat thermometer helps ensure your chicken is safe to eat. Tongs make flipping the chicken easy and safe on the hot grill. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Next, add the zest of 2 lemons. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Now, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Toss in 1 tablespoon each of chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix this all together well. You want a smooth blend that coats the chicken nicely. Take your chicken breasts and add them to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This step adds great flavor to the chicken. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the inside to reach 165°F. Look for nice grill marks as a sign it's done. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. Serve garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs. Enjoy your meal! Grilling chicken can seem tough, but it is simple with the right steps. First, always start with fresh chicken. It tastes better and stays juicy. Next, use a good marinade. Our lemon herb mix packs flavor. Remember to let your chicken sit in it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Keep your grill hot, around 400°F. This keeps the chicken from sticking. To get those perfect grill marks, place the chicken on the grill in a diagonal line. Let it cook without moving it for about 6-7 minutes. When you flip it, turn it 90 degrees to create a crosshatch pattern. This not only looks great but also gives a nice sear. You can take our lemon herb marinade to the next level. Try adding some honey for sweetness. A touch of Dijon mustard gives it a nice kick. For a spicy twist, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor. The longer it marinates, the more infused the chicken will be with the lemon and herb goodness. Perfect Grill Marks: To achieve those beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the chicken around too much while it cooks. Let it sit undisturbed for the first 6-7 minutes on each side. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees it's safely cooked while remaining juicy. Rest Before Serving: Always let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain the juices, making each bite tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can easily change the herbs in this recipe. Instead of rosemary, thyme, and parsley, try using basil, oregano, or dill. Each herb gives a new taste. Basil adds a sweet, fresh flavor. Oregano gives a warm touch. Dill brings a light, bright taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! If you like heat, add some spice to the chicken. Try adding red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also use minced jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you want extra heat. This way, you control how spicy your dish gets. You can also cook this chicken in the oven or on the stovetop. For the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. For stovetop cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. Both methods give great flavor! You can store leftover grilled chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to four days. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing it. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to freeze grilled chicken, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place it in a freezer bag. This method protects the chicken from freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating grilled chicken, keep it moist. Place it in a pan with a splash of water. Cover it with a lid to trap steam. Heat it on low until warm, about 10 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Avoid using high heat, as it can dry out the meat. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, try marinating up to 2 hours. This time lets the chicken soak up all the tasty herbs and lemon juice. A longer marinate gives a deeper flavor. However, don't exceed 2 hours. The acid in the lemon juice can make the chicken tough. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! Thighs are juicy and full of flavor. They cook well on the grill and stay moist. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a few extra minutes to reach 165°F. Use the same marinade for a tasty dish. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken pairs great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes - Rice or quinoa for a hearty side These sides balance the bright flavors of the chicken well. In this post, we covered how to create delicious lemon herb grilled chicken. We discussed key ingredients, marinating tips, and grilling techniques. You learned about variations to make the dish your own. We also included storage tips to keep your chicken fresh. Finally, I answered common questions to clear up doubts. Perfecting this dish is easy with practice. Enjoy making it your go-to recipe for any meal!$

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

A flavorful grilled chicken recipe marinated with lemon and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 pieces lemons, zest
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
to taste salt
to taste pepper
as needed lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the grilled chicken garnished with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword chicken, grilled, herbs, lemon