Juicy grilled chicken breasts get a delicious brighten-up with lemon and garlic in this simple recipe. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels special!
I love how easy it is to whip this up on a weeknight. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! Serve it with veggies or on a salad to make it even better. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling, as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil elevates the dish with its rich flavor. If you want a lighter taste, you can substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil, but stick to olive oil if you can.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a game changer in this recipe. If needed, garlic powder works too, but the flavor won’t be as robust. I like to finely mince it for the best infusion.
Lemon: Fresh lemons are best for juicing and zesting. If unavailable, bottled lemon juice can be used, but it won’t match the fresh flavor. An orange or lime could work in a pinch, offering a different but delightful twist.
Dried Oregano: This herb brings a lovely Mediterranean note. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning or thyme can also add a nice flavor. I often use fresh herbs if I have them on hand.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time?
Grilling chicken breasts can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get juicy results! Marinating is key; it adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip the resting time after grilling—it lets juices distribute for that perfect bite.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor, but don’t exceed 4 hours to avoid a mushy texture from too much acid.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. This ensures a good sear. If it’s too hot, outside may burn while the inside remains undercooked.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side. Avoid moving the chicken around too much; let it sear for those beautiful grill marks!
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 and zested
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 lemon, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken (you can marinate it for up to 4 hours to get even more flavor). Once marinated, grilling will take about 15 minutes. So all together, plan for around 55 minutes to 4 hours, depending on your marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will create a delicious marinade to soak into the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have time. The longer it marinates, the tastier it will be!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, take the chicken out of the marinade and allow any excess to drip off. It’s important to let the chicken sit for a moment so it can get those lovely grill marks!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them to have nice grill marks, and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
5. Grill the Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of grilling, add the lemon slices to the grill. Grill them until they are caramelized, about 2-3 minutes. This will make them even sweeter and tastier!
6. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious grilled chicken breasts topped with the caramelized lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and can handle a longer marinating time. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time as thighs may need an additional minute or two compared to breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can use garlic powder as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic. Mix it into the marinade along with the other ingredients for a similar flavor profile.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes for a light flavor or up to 4 hours for a more robust taste. Just be careful not to exceed 4 hours, as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much, affecting its texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave, but for the best texture, consider reheating it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
