If you’re looking for a light yet flavorful dish, look no further than lemon herb grilled chicken. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even a simple weeknight meal. The tangy lemon and fragrant herbs create a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, and grilling it gives it a delicious char. It’s quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Start by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This mix will give the chicken a zesty, herbal flavor that’s perfect for grilling.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and make sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be, but even a short time will work wonders.
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it over medium-high heat as well.
Once the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken, but the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. You can check this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
When the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful grill mark, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or a serving of rice. For an extra burst of freshness, garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
This lemon herb grilled chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in salads, wraps, or as the star of any main dish. The bright, citrusy flavors paired with the earthy herbs make it a perfect meal for any occasion, and it’s light enough to enjoy even on the warmest days.
