Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
A quick and easy grilled chicken recipe infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, and a blend of aromatic herbs, perfect for light and flavorful summer dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- 2 medium lemons, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey (if using) in a medium mixing bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours, but no longer than 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), avoiding excessive movement to get grill marks.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice chicken against the grain, garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not marinate chicken longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture. Let chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Butterfly chicken breasts for quicker grilling. Keep grill lid closed as much as possible to maintain heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (ap
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb chicken, summer dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, grilled chicken breasts, fresh herbs, backyard barbecue