This Grilled Lemon Chicken is a tasty dish that’s perfect for any time of year! The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon mixture, giving it a bright and refreshing flavor that’s hard to resist.
I love serving this chicken with a side of veggies or over a salad. It’s so easy to make that I often whip it up for weeknight dinners—delicious and quick! 🍗🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling since they cook evenly. You can substitute with thighs if you prefer a juicier option or use tofu for a vegetarian take.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with marinating. You could swap it with avocado oil for a slightly different flavor, or use melted butter for a richer taste.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons brighten up the dish! If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh always tastes better. Lime can be a fun alternative too!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a punch to the marinade. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work, just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Dried Oregano: Oregano gives an amazing herby flavor. Try substituting with dried basil or thyme if you don’t have oregano handy; they all offer a lovely aroma to the dish.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Doesn’t Stick to the Grill?
Sticking can ruin a perfectly good piece of chicken! Here’s how to prevent that problem:
- First, make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the chicken.
- Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel soaked in oil using tongs. This helps create a barrier.
- Only flip your chicken once it’s cooked on one side; it will release easily when it’s ready. If it sticks, it’s not ready to turn!
Following these steps will give you those nice grill marks and keep your chicken intact. Happy grilling!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 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 lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take roughly 15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes, including resting time. A little wait will give you delicious, juicy chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, take the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This will give the chicken lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated nicely. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have the time) to soak in all that yummy flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil or use a cooking spray.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the bowl and let any extra marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’ll know it’s done when you see those lovely grill marks!
5. Let It Rest:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your grilled lemon chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a nice touch. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just remember that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook than boneless pieces. Ensure you grill it for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No worries! You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice. Just use about 2 tablespoons for each lemon. Keep in mind that fresh juice provides a brighter flavor, so if possible, try to use fresh lemons.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Grill?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus grill wonderfully alongside the chicken. Just toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as vegetables might cook faster than the chicken!
