Flavors Worth Savoring
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish packed with bright, zesty flavors and tender, juicy meat. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for barbecues, meal prep, or a family dinner. With a simple marinade of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, this dish captures the essence of summer grilling at its best.
Recipe Overview
| Dish Type | Main Course |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 4 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Cooking Time | 12-15 minutes |
| Overall Prep Time | 40 minutes (including marinating) |
| Calories | ~300 kcal per serving |
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
- Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
- Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Marinating the Chicken
- Grilling the Chicken
- Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken
- How to Serve Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
- Key Takeaways and Variations
Why You’ll Love Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
This dish combines the smoky, charred flavor of grilled chicken with the fresh, tangy notes of lemon and herbs. The marinade ensures every bite is tender and juicy, while the grill adds a delicious caramelized crust. It’s versatile, healthy, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or thyme
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
Step 2: Grilling the Chicken
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
- Marinate Longer: While 20 minutes is sufficient, marinating for a few hours enhances the flavor.
- Oil the Grill: Prevent sticking by lightly oiling the grill grates before cooking.
How to Serve Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Vegetables: Serve with grilled asparagus, roasted zucchini, or a fresh green salad.
- Grains: Pair with rice pilaf, quinoa, or couscous for a hearty meal.
- Potatoes: Enjoy with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or crispy fries.
For a Mediterranean-inspired plate, serve with hummus, tzatziki, or warm pita bread.
Key Takeaways and Variations
- Why This Dish Shines: It’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and pairs well with almost anything.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for some heat.
- Citrus Twist: Swap lemon for lime or orange juice for a unique citrusy flavor.
- Honey Mustard: Add a tablespoon of honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy marinade.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in a salad or wrap.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Course: Main courseCuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired CuisineDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
15
minutesCalories
250
kcalDescription of Recipe:
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful recipe that embodies the best of Mediterranean cooking. Fresh lemon juice infuses the chicken with a bright, tangy flavor, while garlic-infused olive oil and herbs provide a rich, savory taste. The grilling process creates a juicy, tender texture with slightly charred edges, giving it a perfect combination of smokiness and zest.
The chemistry between the ingredients creates a well-balanced dish: the acidity of the lemon juice tenderizes the chicken, while the garlic-infused olive oil adds depth without the digestive issues associated with high-FODMAP ingredients. The herbs, like parsley and oregano, add a touch of earthiness, enhancing the chicken’s flavor while keeping it light and refreshing.
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a versatile, flavorful dish that fits perfectly into multiple dietary plans, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of health goals. It’s suitable for the Mediterranean Diet, Keto Diet, Low-FODMAP Diet, and Gluten-Free Diet due to its simple and wholesome ingredients. The recipe focuses on lean protein, fresh herbs, and healthy fats, making it both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil (to keep it Low-FODMAP)
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the garlic-infused olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is fully coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for maximum flavor). - Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If using an indoor grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat. - Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
While grilling, you can baste the chicken with a bit of the remaining marinade to keep it moist (if using a grill pan). - Serve:
Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness. - How to Serve:
Serve the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken alongside a Mediterranean salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa for a complete meal.
For a keto-friendly option, pair it with a side of avocado salad, sautéed spinach, or cauliflower rice.
For those on a gluten-free or Low-FODMAP diet, serve the chicken with roasted potatoes or a fresh cucumber salad.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Remarks and Ideas:
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Make the meal more substantial by adding zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the grill alongside the chicken.
Try Baking: If you don’t have access to a grill, bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Great for Meal Prep: This chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect choice for meal prep. Simply reheat and serve with your favorite sides. - Taste, Smell, and Texture:
Taste: The combination of lemon, herbs, and garlic-infused oil creates a tangy, savory, and slightly smoky flavor profile. The chicken absorbs the flavors well, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Smell: The grilling process releases an aromatic blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs that fills the air, making it an incredibly inviting dish.
Texture: The grilled chicken is tender and moist, with a slight char on the outside that adds a bit of crispiness to each bite. - This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. It’s an excellent choice for those following the Mediterranean, Keto, Low-FODMAP, or Gluten-Free diets, offering a delicious and healthy option that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
