These grilled chicken breasts are juicy and full of flavor thanks to the zesty lemon and tasty garlic. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a backyard barbecue!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that’s simple and impressive? I often serve this with a side of veggies for a colorful plate. It makes me feel like a chef—without the stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, as they cook quickly and stay moist. If you want a different flavor or cut, try using chicken thighs, which can be juicier.
Olive Oil: Quality olive oil enhances the marinade. If you’re out, you can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil, which also work great.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use garlic powder—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove—but remember it’s milder.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons provide the best taste! For substitution, bottled lemon juice can work, but zesting from a lemon is irreplaceable for that fresh aroma.
Herbs (Oregano and Thyme): Dried herbs are convenient, but using fresh ones gives a brighter flavor. If you have rosemary or basil instead, they would also add a lovely touch to the dish.
How Do I Grill Chicken to Keep It Juicy?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right steps, you can achieve juicy results every time. The key is marinating and controlling the heat.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes; up to 2 hours enhances flavor and keeps the meat tender.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps get nice grill marks and sear in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—165°F (75°C) is your goal for safety.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for grilling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) and about 15 minutes to grill. So, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 1 hour if you choose a short marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together well. This fragrant marinade will add amazing flavor to the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for more flavor, up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you nice grill marks and a juicy chicken. If you’d like, you can also place lemon slices on the grill to infuse the chicken with extra citrus flavor.
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess sauce drip off. Discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. If you’re using lemon slices, you can place those on the grill too. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! After resting, slice the chicken and serve it warm, garnished with the grilled lemon slices if you used them. Enjoy your delicious and zesty meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts! Just keep in mind that they may take longer to cook. Aim for 10-12 minutes per side on the grill, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Bone-in cuts can provide more flavor, so it’s a great option!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! In fact, marinating the chicken overnight can enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge while marinating and use it within 24 hours for the best quality.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re looking for a substitute for olive oil, you can use any neutral oil, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. Just keep the flavor in mind—extra virgin olive oil adds a distinct taste that might not be as pronounced with other oils.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store leftover grilled chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for longer storage—just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
