This grilled chicken is juicy and flavorful, thanks to the zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. It’s a simple dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
I love serving it with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together with friends. Yum! 🍋🍗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their lean texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may require more time.
Olive Oil: This is key for the marinade—it helps lock in moisture and flavor. If you need a substitution, avocado oil or canola oil work well too, though they might not add the same rich flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is what I prefer for its bright flavor. If you have garlic powder on hand, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove, but fresh is always best when possible.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide zingy freshness. If lemons aren’t available, lime juice will add a similar tang, just keep in mind it has a slightly different flavor profile.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme give depth to the marinade. If you like, feel free to use fresh herbs instead, as they have more vibrant flavors. Just increase the amount to about three times the dried amount.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The marinade is essential for keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. First, mix all the marinade ingredients well and let the chicken soak in it. The longer the chicken can marinate—up to 4 hours—the more it absorbs the garlic and lemon flavors.
- After marinating, take the chicken out and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Preheating the grill is key. Ensure it’s medium-high heat for that perfect sear, aiming for 165°F internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked without becoming dry.
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
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for grilling and garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate, plus about 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 55 minutes before you can dig in and enjoy your delicious grilled chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Marinade:
Start by making your marinade! In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well. This is what will give your chicken that awesome flavor!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and make sure each piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want even more flavor!
3. Grilling the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). They should be nice and juicy!
4. Adding the Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of grilling, toss some lemon slices onto the grill. Let them cook until they are caramelized and a bit charred—this will add even more flavor to your dish.
5. Serving the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes on a plate. Don’t forget to garnish it with your grilled lemon slices! Serve it warm, and if you like, pair it with some fresh vegetables or a salad for a delicious meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, you can also use thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as dark meat typically takes a bit longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No worries! You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice, but use slightly less (about 2 tablespoons) to avoid overpowering the marinade. The zest enriches the flavor, so if you’re using bottled juice, you can skip the zest step.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is even better for flavor! Just make sure to keep the chicken in the refrigerator. If you’re marinating for more than 4 hours, consider reducing the salt in the marinade to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the chicken in foil and warm it in the oven to keep it juicy, or microwave it for a quick option. Enjoy in salads, sandwiches, or as a protein for a meal!
