Description
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy a healthy grilled meal that feels both simple and amazing. This easy recipe combines bright lemon juice, fragrant herbs, and juicy chicken breasts to create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or weekly meal prep. With a short ingredient list and quick cooking time, it delivers bold flavor without complicated steps.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds total)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ¾ inch.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it, coating evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–425°F) and lightly oil grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill for 4–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Do not marinate longer than 6 hours. Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking. Resting after grilling keeps the chicken juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean