Grilled Lemon Chicken is a zesty and simple dish that’s perfect for any meal. The chicken gets marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, giving it a bright flavor.
I love making this when the sun is out; it’s like a mini backyard party on a plate! 🍋 It’s easy to whip together, and it pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or some grilled veggies.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, as they grill nicely and stay juicy. If you’re looking for something different, try thighs for a more flavorful option, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as they take a bit longer.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor of the marinade. If you don’t have it, vegetable oil or avocado oil can be used instead, giving a slightly different taste but still great results.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must for the bright flavor. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can be a substitute. Just remember it might be a bit less vibrant. The zest adds aromatic oils, so always try to include it if you can.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is always preferable, giving a stronger flavor compared to powdered garlic. If you’re in a pinch, you can use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh is the best choice.
Dried Oregano: This herb brings a lovely earthiness to the marinade. If you don’t have dried oregano, dried thyme or Italian seasoning can be good substitutes, adding their own unique twist to the chicken.
How Do You Get Juicy, Well-Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken to perfection involves a few key steps. Start by marinating the chicken well to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist. After preparing the marinade and allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps create nice grill marks and seals in juices.
- Don’t Move It! Once you place the chicken on the grill, resist the urge to flip it too soon. Let it cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side to get those char marks.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked through.
- Let It Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making each bite tender and moist.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation, and you’ll want to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours if you have the time). Then, grilling will take about 15-20 minutes. Overall, you can have a delicious grilled lemon chicken ready in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended. This marinade will give your chicken a tasty and zesty flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, leave it for up to 4 hours for even better flavor.
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them. Once they have nice grill marks, flip the chicken over and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious grilled lemon chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time. Grill it for about 10-15 minutes on each side, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil as a substitute. Both oils have a similar flavor profile and work well for grilling at high temperatures.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Lemon Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator. If you’re marinating for more than 4 hours, you might reduce the amount of salt in the marinade to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty.
