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+ servings

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

A juicy and flavorful grilled chicken marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture, perfect for summer barbecues or a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Grilling, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking
  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin for best flavor
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 medium lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest zest from the same lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended. This mixture will infuse the chicken with flavor and keep it moist during grilling.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Marinating helps to tenderize the meat and enhances the flavor.
Preheat the Grill
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F to 450°F). This temperature is ideal for achieving a nice sear on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
Grill the Chicken
  1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them to get nice grill marks.
  2. Flip the chicken using tongs and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Rest and Serve
  1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender. Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. Pair with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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