This Grilled Lemon Chicken is zesty and juicy, perfect for a sunny day! The bright lemon flavor makes every bite refreshing and tasty.
When I make this, I love serving it with a crisp salad. It adds a light touch that makes dinner feel special. Plus, my grill gets a workout! 🍋🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. You can use chicken thighs for a more flavorful option, just adjust the cooking time since they may take a bit longer.
Olive Oil: This adds a rich flavor and helps with marinating. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with avocado oil. For a more intense flavor, try using flavored olive oil, like garlic or herb-infused.
Lemons: Fresh lemons are essential for that zing! If you cannot find fresh ones, bottled lemon juice works, but the flavor may not be as bright. You can also try lime juice for a different twist!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a vibrant taste, but if you’re short on time, you can use garlic powder. Use about half a teaspoon for each clove, but fresh is always better for this recipe!
Dried Oregano: This herb adds a lovely flavor to your chicken. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning or even dried thyme can work in a pinch. Just remember to use a little less if it’s more potent.
How Do I Get My Chicken Grill Marks Just Right?
Getting beautiful grill marks while ensuring your chicken cooks evenly is key! Here’s how you can achieve this:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps sear the chicken quickly.
- Oil your grill grates well to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil to wipe the grates.
- Place the chicken on the grill diagonally to create nice crosshatch marks. Avoid moving the chicken around too much.
- Let the chicken grill undisturbed for about 6-7 minutes before flipping it. This allows it to develop those grill marks and cook through.
- Using a meat thermometer can help you know when the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s perfectly cooked!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to marinate. After that, grilling the chicken takes about 15 minutes. So, plan for about 55 minutes altogether, plus any additional time if you want to marinate longer for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture creates a refreshing marinade that will flavor the chicken beautifully.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and put them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they’re all coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it sit for 2 to 4 hours to soak up even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Don’t forget to oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent the chicken from sticking! Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any extra marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Serve your delicious grilled lemon chicken garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more moisture and flavor to the dish. Just adjust the grilling time, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through. Aim 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 lemon juice with bottled lemon juice, using about 1/4 cup for this recipe. However, fresh lemons will give you the best flavor, especially the zest, so use it if you can!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Lemon Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also chop it up and toss it in salads or wraps!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is even better! It allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply into the chicken. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the lemon can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
