Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred, this Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is the ultimate easy summer dinner recipe! Marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, this healthy grilled chicken is packed with bright citrus flavor and smoky goodness.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley
- Extra herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. The marinade should smell fresh, citrusy, and aromatic.
- Marinate the Chicken Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. Avoid marinating too long because the lemon juice can begin breaking down the chicken texture.
- Preheat the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have beautiful grill marks and slightly charred edges.
- Rest the Chicken Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps keep the juices inside the chicken for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish and Serve Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.