This recipe features juicy grilled chicken breasts that are bursting with flavor, thanks to a bright lemon and garlic marinade. It’s simple and perfect for any meal!
I love how quick this dish is to prep—just marinate and grill! It’s great for busy nights, and leftovers are perfect for salads the next day. Who doesn’t love easy, tasty meals? 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier bite, or even turkey breasts if you’re looking for a leaner protein option.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and moisture, but you could swap it for avocado oil for a higher smoke point or canola oil for a neutral taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers a strong flavor. If fresh isn’t available, you can use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder per clove, adjusting to taste.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemons are best for bright flavor. If you have bottled lemon juice, that works but use about half since it’s usually stronger. Lime juice can be a nice twist, too!
Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme are classic, but feel free to mix it up! Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can add a different taste.
How Do You Get Juicy Grilled Chicken?
Getting juicy grilled chicken is all about the marinade and cooking temperature. The marinade adds flavor while tenderizing the meat. Here’s how:
- Marinate for at least 1 hour. Longer (up to 4 hours) enhances flavor without drying out the chicken.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high to get nice grill marks. A hot grill helps sear the outside quickly, keeping juices in.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side without moving it. Only flip once for the best results.
- Check for doneness at 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling; this allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour (and up to 4 hours) for the chicken to soak in the marinade. Grill time is about 14 minutes total, so you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes of hands-on time after marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk them together well until it’s all mixed and looks nice and smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, get your chicken breasts ready! Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece well. If using a bag, seal it tightly, or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but if you can wait, 2 to 4 hours will give you even more flavor.
3. Preheat and Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade—remember to discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe! Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have beautiful grill marks!
4. Add the Charred Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of grilling, place some lemon slices on the grill. Let them char slightly for extra flavor. This will make your dish look even more amazing!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! When ready to serve, garnish your grilled chicken with the charred lemon slices. Enjoy your delicious lemon garlic grilled chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use bone-in chicken breasts! Just note that they will take longer to cook, usually about 10-12 minutes per side. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No problem! If you’re out of fresh lemons, you can substitute with bottled lemon juice. Use about 1/4 cup of bottled juice, keeping in mind it might have a slightly different flavor profile. Adding a bit of lemon zest from a dry rub can help enhance the flavor.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to intensify the flavors. Just ensure you store it properly in the refrigerator in a sealed container or zip-top bag. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidic lemon juice can begin to change the texture of the chicken.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also slice it up to use in salads or wraps!
