Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is juicy, fresh, and packed with bright citrus and herb flavor. It’s quick to make, perfect for summer meals, and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or lemon slices for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mix will be full of flavor and will tenderize the chicken nicely.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and seal the bag (or cover the dish). Turn the chicken to coat it well. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates or surface to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the outside has nice grill marks. Try not to move it too much so it gets a good sear.
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon slices, if you like.
Notes
Lemon zest adds more citrus flavor than juice alone. It’s worth the extra step.
To prevent sticking, brush the grates or pan with oil before placing the chicken.