This grilled chicken dish is bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a mix of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, making each bite refreshing and tasty.
Honestly, the smell of garlic and lemon grilling is enough to make anyone hungry! I love serving this with a side of veggies for a healthy meal that’s super easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook quickly and remain juicy. If you prefer, you can substitute them with thighs for a richer flavor or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for its quality and flavor. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and is great for grilling.
Lemons: Fresh lemons bring brightness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but the taste won’t be as fresh. Orange juice is another tasty alternative that adds sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for flavor. If you need a quicker option, garlic powder can work, but use about a 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme bring lovely aromatics. You can use fresh herbs if you have them, just double the amount as they are milder in flavor.
How Can I Get My Grilled Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating chicken is key to enhancing its flavor and keeping it juicy. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Use a resealable bag or shallow dish to marinate the chicken. Coat the chicken well in the marinade and refrigerate.
- For best results, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Longer is better—up to 4 hours will deepen the flavors.
- When grilling, preheat the grill for even cooking. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F/75°C) to ensure doneness.
Letting the chicken rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite more tender. Happy grilling!
Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, and around 15 minutes for grilling. Altogether, you should plan for about 1 hour to let the flavors soak in and cook up a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, the juice and zest from 2 lemons, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This delicious blend will marinate and enhance the chicken’s flavor.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—if you have more time, letting it sit for up to 4 hours will really boost the flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
Once your chicken is marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and place the breasts on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip it over and grill for another 6-7 minutes on the other side. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
4. Caramelize Lemon Slices:
When the chicken is almost done, throw some lemon slices on the grill for the last few minutes. This will caramelize them nicely and bring out a lovely flavor.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep it juicy! Serve your grilled chicken garnished with the caramelized lemon slices. Enjoy a tasty meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken breasts will require a bit longer to cook through. Aim for about 8-10 minutes on each side, and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Proteins?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with turkey, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of cooking times—pork chops may need a few more minutes, while tofu will cook faster, around 4-5 minutes per side.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No worries! You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute, just make sure to use about half the amount since it’s typically more concentrated. You can also add a bit of vinegar to mimic that fresh citrus flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop for the best texture, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
