These grilled chicken breasts are zesty and juicy, thanks to a lovely mix of lemon and garlic. Perfect for a quick dinner that feels special!
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a dish that makes the kitchen smell amazing? I love serving these with a side salad for a fresh touch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey cutlets are a good substitute. Just adjust cooking time as they might need less time on the grill.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor to the marinade. However, any light oil like canola or grapeseed can work if you’re out of olive oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, minced garlic from a jar can be used, but fresh is always preferred for that strong, vibrant flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is ideal for that zesty punch. However, bottled lemon juice is a handy substitute. Just use a little less since it can be more concentrated.
Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme are great, but feel free to mix it up! Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary can add different flavors. Just use about three times more fresh herbs than dried.
How Do You Make Sure Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating chicken is key to juicy and flavorful meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix marinade ingredients well in a bowl. The oil helps keep the chicken moist while the acid from lemon adds flavor.
- Seal the chicken in a bag or dish with the marinade. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is best.
- This allows the flavors to infuse deeply. Don’t skip this step—it makes a huge difference!
Also, when grilling, make sure your grill is preheated, and let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it nice and juicy!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Grilling:
- 1 lemon, sliced (for grilling)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and marinating, plus 15 minutes for cooking on the grill. Just remember to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to soak in all the tasty flavors. It’s simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, take the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until everything is well combined. This will be your delicious marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you have time. The longer, the better for the flavor!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This should take about 10 minutes. You want it nice and hot for a perfect grill!
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken breasts out of the fridge and discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Then, flip the chicken over and place lemon slices on top of the chicken. Grill for an additional 6-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy! Serve the grilled chicken garnished with fresh parsley, if you’d like, along with the grilled lemon slices for an extra zing of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but they will require longer cooking time. Expect to grill them for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until they reach the internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use other oils like avocado oil or canola oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly based on the oil you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or grill it on low heat until heated through. Adding a splash of lemon juice can help revive the flavors!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors even more. Just be cautious not to marinate it for too long, as the acid from the lemon can start to break down the meat, making it mushy if left for more than 24 hours.
