Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts Recipe
A simple and flavorful grilled chicken recipe featuring a zesty lemon and herb marinade that tenderizes and enhances the natural taste of the chicken breasts. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal that comes together with minimal ingredients and grilling time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1¾ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: One at a time, place the chicken breasts in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag and use a meat mallet to pound each breast to an even ½-inch (13-mm) thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly on the grill.
- Make and Apply Marinade: In a 1-gallon zip-lock bag, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Add the pounded chicken breasts to the bag and massage the marinade into the meat thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag securely and place it in a bowl in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat Grill and Oil Grates: Preheat your grill to high heat and brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking and to achieve nice grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy and tender. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has beautiful grill marks.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a platter and serve immediately with your favorite sides or salads.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for uniform cooking and preventing dryness.
- Marinating overnight improves tenderness and flavor depth but 4 hours is sufficient if short on time.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
- Brush grill grates with oil right before grilling to avoid sticking.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in salads or sandwiches.