These grilled chicken breasts are bursting with flavor from the fresh lemon and garlic! They’re juicy, tender, and oh-so-easy to make, perfect for any dinner.
Honestly, the bright lemony taste makes my taste buds dance! 😊 Pair this dish with veggies or a salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy without the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe since they grill nicely and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead.
Olive Oil: This helps the marinade stick and adds flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil are good substitutes as they also have high smoke points.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really makes a difference here. If you only have garlic powder, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon, but the fresh flavor can’t be beat!
Lemon: Juicing fresh lemons will give you the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice is a quick alternative but may lack the freshness. Save some zest from your lemons; it adds brightness!
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme add wonderful flavor. Feel free to substitute them with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if you have them on hand. Fresh herbs often provide a richer taste.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Grilling can dry out chicken if not done right. The key is to marinate your chicken well and monitor the cooking time. Here are some tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Longer marination (up to 2 hours) allows for more flavor penetration.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps sear the chicken quickly, locking in moisture.
- Cook your chicken to the right temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer takes the guesswork away.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices for a moist bite.
Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You’ll also need about 14 minutes to grill the chicken, making the total time around 1 hour if you include marinating time. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, 2 hours is even better for more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It should be nice and hot by the time the chicken is ready to go on.
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge and remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. You can toss the leftover marinade; it’s not needed anymore. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) and for the chicken to no longer be pink in the center.
5. Grill the Lemon Slices:
During the last few minutes of cooking, add lemon slices onto the grill. Cook them alongside the chicken until they are nicely caramelized. This will add great flavor and a nice garnish!
6. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill. Let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Serve the grilled chicken breasts hot, garnished with the grilled lemon slices. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than 2 Hours?
While 2 hours is ideal for flavor infusion, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Just be careful as marinating too long can change the texture of the chicken, making it a bit mushy. If you want to go longer, consider reducing the salt a little to prevent it from brining the chicken too much.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with canola oil, avocado oil, or melted coconut oil. Each of these oils will work well with the acidity of the lemon and provide a tasty result!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm up gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to retain juiciness.
Can I Grill Veggies Alongside the Chicken?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus will grill beautifully alongside the chicken. Just toss them in a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper before adding them to the grill, and make sure to adjust cooking times as needed since they may cook faster than the chicken!
