– **Title**: Grilled Lemon Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon slices, for garnish
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Lemon Chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use chicken thighs, which also have great flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil adds richness. You can swap it for avocado oil or any neutral oil like canola if you prefer a different flavor or want a higher smoke point for grilling.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons give the best taste. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work, but I find that fresh lemons make a noticeable difference in brightness and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic contributes a wonderful aroma. You could use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Fresh Parsley: This herb brightens up the dish. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro or basil works well too, just keep in mind they’ll alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to enhancing its flavor and keeping it juicy. Start by making your marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Here’s how to do it right:
- Whisk your marinade ingredients together until combined. This ensures even flavor distribution.
- Use a resealable bag or shallow dish to let the chicken soak—this gives it more surface area to absorb flavors.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit for up to 8 hours in the fridge. Longer marination infuses the chicken with more flavor.
Remember to let excess marinade drip off before grilling to prevent flare-ups and to achieve those beautiful grill marks!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices and additional parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 1 to 8 hours for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take another 15 minutes or so. Altogether, you can expect to spend around 30 minutes to prepare and cook your delicious grilled lemon chicken, plus marinating time for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will be your flavorful marinade. Make sure it’s mixed well!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the lovely marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s coated nicely. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or as long as 8 hours if you have the time!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, get your grill nice and hot by preheating it to medium-high heat. Clean the grates thoroughly and apply a light coating of oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook them for around 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done grilling, remove it and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! To serve, garnish with fresh parsley and accompany it with lemon slices for an extra zing. Enjoy your tasty grilled lemon chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead?
Yes! If you prefer bone-in chicken, just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes on each side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No worries! You can substitute the fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice, although fresh lemons will provide a brighter flavor. Use about 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice for every 1/4 cup needed in the recipe. You can also add a bit of lemon zest from the bottle for extra flavor!
How Can I Store Leftover Grilled Lemon Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or grill briefly on medium heat to keep it moist. Add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to prevent dryness.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it sealed in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This allows the flavors to develop even more, making for a tastier chicken!
