Indulge in the delightful flavors of Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, a perfect blend of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken breasts. This easy-to-follow recipe promises to elevate your grilling experience with its fresh ingredients and simple preparation. Ideal for summer barbecues or family dinners, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and healthy appeal.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
Directions:
Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. This fragrant mixture will infuse the chicken with a delightful burst of flavor.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although marinating for 2-4 hours will yield the best results.
Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This setting is ideal for achieving a nice char on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be nicely charred and fully cooked through.
After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs like parsley or additional thyme over the grilled chicken to enhance its visual appeal and add a burst of freshness.
Sliced Lemon Wedges: Serve alongside sliced lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their chicken. This adds extra tanginess and complements the flavors in the marinade.
Side Dish Suggestions: Pair your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with light and refreshing sides such as a mixed green salad, grilled vegetables, couscous, or quinoa. These sides will balance the meal and add variety to the plate.
Presentation: Arrange the grilled chicken neatly on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle any remaining juices from the resting period over the chicken for added flavor.
Accompaniments: Offer condiments like a tangy yogurt sauce or a light vinaigrette for dipping or drizzling, allowing guests to customize their dining experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Grilled chicken can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen chicken can be kept for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through, being careful not to overcook to maintain its juiciness.
Salad or Sandwich: Use leftover grilled chicken to top salads, sandwiches, or wraps for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Flavor Boost: If reheating grilled chicken, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of herbs to revive its flavors before serving.
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- Grilled Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Must-Try Recipe!
- Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken
FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts in this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as they can take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What should I do if I don’t have a grill?
If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still enjoy this recipe by using a grill pan on your stovetop or by baking the chicken in the oven. For a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the grilling instructions in the recipe. To bake in the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. The flavors will meld together nicely, enhancing the taste of the chicken when it’s time to grill.
How can I tell when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it should register at least 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can make a small cut in the thickest part of the chicken; if the juices run clear and there’s no pink, the chicken is cooked. Be careful not to overcook, as this can result in dry chicken. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute evenly.
Conclusion:
Our Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a delightful addition to any meal plan, combining simplicity and gourmet flavor. The fresh herbs and lemon zest bring a refreshing twist, while the grilling process adds a smoky char that enhances the overall taste. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a quick family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 54 minutes to 4 hours 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilling season is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a light, flavorful dish that tantalizes the taste buds and keeps the meal healthy. Our Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe is the perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Packed with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, this dish promises to be a hit at any barbecue or family dinner. Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your next grilling session a resounding success!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Add the marinade, ensuring all chicken is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and chicken is nicely charred.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a stronger lemon flavor, increase lemon zest or juice.
Adjust grilling time based on the thickness of chicken breasts.
Serve with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for added zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes +(30 minutes to 4 hours Marinating Time)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal
