This Grilled Lemon Chicken is juicy and zesty, perfect for a sunny day! The bright lemon flavor makes every bite feel like a mini-vacation on your plate.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that’s easy to whip up? Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! I served it with a side of veggies and felt like a chef. 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, offering a lean protein option. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully too, as they stay juicier when grilled.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil is another great choice due to its high smoke point.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings a vibrant zing to the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, though it may lack some freshness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an unbeatable taste. In a hurry? Garlic powder can stand in, but use less—about 1/2 teaspoon should suffice for a hint of flavor.
Fresh Parsley: It’s a refreshing addition! If you don’t have parsley, try using basil or cilantro for a different twist.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken perfectly can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll get great results! Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; longer marination adds more flavor. When grilling, keep the temperature at medium-high—too hot may char the outside before the inside is cooked.
- Preheat the grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken on the grill and resist the urge to move it too much. Let it develop grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Let it rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute for juicy chicken.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You can let it marinate for up to 4 hours if you want a more intense flavor. The grilling itself will take about 15 minutes. In total, plan for around 55 minutes to enjoy your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This will be the delicious marinade that adds flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to your marinade, making sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have time. This is where all the juicy, lemony goodness happens!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the 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 discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on one side until you see nice grill marks and it’s easy to turn. Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. After resting, slice the chicken, garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon slices, and it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your flavorful grilled lemon chicken!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling, you can also use thighs or drumsticks. Just remember that cooking times may vary; thighs will typically take a bit longer to cook through, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours for the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will work! Just avoid marinating for more than 4 hours, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to make the chicken mushy.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemon Juice?
No worries! You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always better for flavor. If using bottled, you’ll need about 3 tablespoons to replace the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Just taste the marinade to adjust to your preferred tartness.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Lemon Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. You can also slice it up and toss it in a salad for a quick meal!
