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Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4 from 78 reviews

This Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe offers a vibrant and zesty flavor with tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a blend of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. Perfect for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a refreshing Mediterranean flair that pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If any parts of the chicken breasts are too thick, gently pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl or resealable freezer bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, pressed garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing them well to fully coat. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the citrus and herb flavors.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C), to get a nice sear on the chicken.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill surface. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on one side without moving to get good grill marks. Use tongs to flip and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Discard any remaining marinade.
  6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness. Serve alongside lemon wedges and your choice of vegetables or salad.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent the lemon juice from breaking down the meat too much.
  • You can substitute oregano with thyme or rosemary if preferred for a different herb profile.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works great as a substitute.