This dish features juicy grilled chicken breasts bursting with fresh lemon and garlic flavors. It’s a simple and tasty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just marinate the chicken, fire up the grill, and enjoy this zesty treat. It pairs wonderfully with a colorful salad—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. If you’re looking for something different, try chicken thighs—they’re juicier and add more flavor!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil is a good alternative due to its high smoking point.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a wonderful taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons make a big difference in taste. If lemons aren’t available, you could use bottled lemon juice, though the flavor won’t be as fresh. Lime juice is another great substitute!
Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds color and freshness. If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, dried parsley can be used instead, but double-check the quantity since dried herbs have a stronger flavor.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll get great results. It’s all about the prep and cooking time.
- First, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes—this adds flavor and helps keep it moist.
- Preheat the grill well. If it’s not properly heated, the chicken may stick or cook unevenly.
- Use medium-high heat for grilling (around 400°F or 200°C) and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute—it makes a big difference in tenderness.
Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and a minimum of 30 minutes to marinate. Once marinated, grilling the chicken will take around 15 minutes. So, in total, you’ll spend about 55 minutes from start to finish, allowing for a flavorful meal that’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley (if using), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add a fantastic flavor to your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to 4 hours will give even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Don’t forget to oil the grill grates lightly to prevent the chicken from sticking!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade and throw the leftover marinade away. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and show beautiful grill marks.
5. Char the Lemon Slices:
During the last few minutes of grilling, toss some lemon slices onto the grill to give them a nice char. This will enhance their flavor when you serve them!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill along with the charred lemon slices. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it up. This helps keep it juicy!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the grilled chicken breasts garnished with the charred lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your delicious and zesty meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
While this recipe is designed for boneless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in pieces! Just make sure to adjust the grilling time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. Aim for about 10-12 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use other cooking oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but they all work well for grilling!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the grill until heated through—this will help retain its juicy texture!
Can I Add More Flavors to the Marinade?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or even a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Customize it to your taste!
