This grilled lemon chicken is juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in zesty lemon juice and spices, it’s perfect for a sunny day or a cozy dinner at home.
I love serving it with a side of veggies or on a salad. You can’t go wrong with a dish that’s both healthy and tasty! Just be careful—everyone will want a second helping! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here, providing a lean and tender base for the marinade. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken thighs also work and are slightly more flavorful.
Olive Oil: This adds a rich, fruity flavor to the marinade. You can swap it with other oils like avocado oil for a different taste, but keep it heart-healthy!
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons are best! The juice adds brightness, while the zest gives a punch of lemon flavor. If you can’t find fresh lemons, bottled juice works in a pinch—just be cautious with the quantity.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that robust flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic or garlic powder can be used but may alter the overall taste slightly.
Parsley: This adds freshness and color. If you don’t have it on hand, try substituting with fresh basil or cilantro, depending on your taste preferences!
How Do I Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating is key for infusing flavor into the chicken. The longer you marinate, the tastier your chicken will be! Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk well to mix.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and cover it completely with the marinade.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes; up to 2 hours is ideal for extra flavor!
Don’t forget to discard the used marinade before grilling to keep things safe and tasty! Happy grilling!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (grated from the lemons)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled lemon chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes for marinating (up to 2 hours for extra flavor). You’ll spend roughly 15 minutes cooking on the grill, making it a perfect recipe to whip up for dinner in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This flavorful marinade is the key to making your chicken super delicious!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it gets well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, then pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours for even better flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of about 375°F to 400°F. This helps achieve perfect grill marks and ensures the chicken cooks properly.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Discard any leftover marinade to keep things safe. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want to see nice grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F to know it’s cooked through.
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and flavorful. Now, it’s ready to serve! Place the grilled chicken on a platter, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, and enjoy your scrumptious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and moisture due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take an extra minute or two to reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the best flavor. If marinating overnight, be cautious not to exceed 12 hours, as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the meat and make it mushy.
What Can I Do with Leftover Grilled Lemon Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can slice it up for salads, toss it in wraps, or enjoy it cold with a side of veggies for a quick lunch!
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice Instead of Fresh?
While fresh lemon juice offers the best flavor and brightness, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch! Just use about the same amount, but remember that fresh zest is hard to substitute, so zesting a fresh lemon is best for that extra zing.
