Grilled Chicken Soaked in Lemon and Fresh Herbs

This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken can be effortlessly prepared using just a handful of basic ingredients for a delightful, nutritious meal! Bursting with flavor from zesty lemon juice, abundant garlic, and fragrant thyme!

This lemon herb grilled chicken has been a go-to recipe in our household for more than a decade, and here’s why. It features straightforward, fresh ingredients that yield incredibly flavorful chicken! This lemon herb marinade is simply divine, crafted from a blend of olive oil, tangy lemon juice, plenty of garlic, and fresh herbs! Additionally, this lemon herb marinade doubles as a fantastic salad dressing!

Why You’ll Appreciate This Recipe

• Remarkably flavorful, adaptable, and quick to prepare.
• Requires only 5 basic ingredients, most of which you likely have at home!
• This marinade is equally delightful on steak, fish, or shrimp and can also be used as a salad dressing.
• Ideal for meal prepping during the week, great with rice, alongside roasted veggies, or atop a salad.

Essential Ingredients

This simple lemon herb chicken calls for just a few key ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or refrigerator! Here’s what you’ll need:

• chicken – this recipe specifies 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs (bone-in varieties are fine too), but you can also opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts or even chicken wings.
• olive oil – this is vital for infusing flavor into the chicken and preventing sticking on the grill. Choose a quality olive oil that’s not expensive; just ensure it’s cold-pressed and organic for enhanced flavor.
• lemon juice – this contributes a vibrant, fresh taste; you’ll need about 2 lemons. Feel free to add some lemon zest for an extra zesty kick!
• garlic – you can use freshly chopped garlic or minced garlic from a jar.
• fresh herbs – fresh thyme and rosemary impart such refreshing elements to the chicken marinade, but dried thyme, dried rosemary, or even dried oregano can be utilized as alternatives.
• salt + pepper – important for seasoning the chicken and enhancing flavor.

Steps to Create Lemon Herb Chicken

1. Create the marinade. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Prepare chicken. Put the chicken in a shallow dish or a 1-gallon sealable plastic bag and pour the majority of the lemon herb sauce over the chicken (I always recommend saving a bit of the marinade for brushing on the chicken later during grilling!)
3. Marinate! Refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but not exceeding 2 hours (lemon has high acidity that can start breaking down the chicken’s texture if left too long). When ready to grill, take the chicken out, shake off excess marinade, and discard the remaining marinade.
4. Grill and serve. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and brush it with oil to avoid sticking. Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink (chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees). After grilling, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Useful Tips and Tricks

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but do not exceed 2 hours since the acidity from the lemon juice can compromise the exterior texture, resulting in a mushy consistency.
• Add a bit of oil to the grill or grill pan to prevent sticking.
• If grilling isn’t your preference, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400 degrees F for 22 to 28 minutes, or until fully cooked.
• The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees to ensure doneness while avoiding dryness.
• Set aside a small amount of marinade (before it contacts the chicken) to brush on during grilling for added flavor.
• This lemon herb marinade makes for an excellent salad dressing as well!

How to Present

Prepping and Storing

Leftovers can be kept in a sealed, airtight container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. I enjoy adding the leftover chicken to salads for quick lunches! You can also freeze these chicken breasts for up to 4 months and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you are working with chicken that has been previously frozen and thawed, I wouldn’t recommend refreezing.

Additional Chicken Recipes

Hope you enjoy this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, and if you love it as much as we do, please leave me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and remember to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I adore seeing all your wonderful recreations!

**Lemon and Herb Grilled Chicken: A Delicious and Nutritious Treat**

Grilled chicken is an adaptable and widely adored dish that can be made in numerous ways. One of the most flavorful and health-conscious techniques is to marinate the chicken with lemon and fresh herbs. This duo not only elevates the chicken’s taste but also imbues it with a lovely aroma and moist texture. Whether you’re throwing a summer barbecue, planning a weeknight meal, or prepping food for the week, mastering grilled chicken marinated with lemon and herbs is a worthwhile endeavor.

### **Why Choose Lemon and Fresh Herbs?**

The combination of lemon and fresh herbs is a timeless culinary classic that brings out the chicken’s best qualities. Here’s why:

1. **Lemon**: The acidity of lemon juice serves as a natural tenderizer, breaking down the proteins in the chicken to achieve a juicy, tender result. Its bright, tangy flavor beautifully complements the smoky grill char, establishing a delightful balance of freshness and depth.

2. **Fresh Herbs**: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil bring in layers of earthy, aromatic flavor. When paired with lemon, they formulate a marinade that is vibrant and complex, raising the chicken to gourmet heights.

3. **Health Benefits**: Not only is this marinade flavorful, but it’s also nutritious. Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while fresh herbs provide vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, they result in a wholesome, low-calorie dish that is ideal for health-conscious diners.

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### **How to Create Grilled Chicken Marinated with Lemon and Fresh Herbs**

#### **Ingredients:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if desired)
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 2 lemons)
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Marinade**:
– In a medium-sized bowl, mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, and all fresh herbs. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
– Sample the marinade and modify the seasoning if necessary.

2. **Marinate the Chicken**:
– Put the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
– Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For superior results, marinate for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse the meat. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours, as the lemon’s acidity can overly break down the chicken, leading to a mushy texture.

3. **Preheat the Grill**:
– Set your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly coat the grill grates with oil to avoid sticking.

4. **Grill the Chicken**:
– Take the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
– Cook the chicken on the grill for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s best to use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
– Refrain from overcooking to prevent drying out the chicken.

5. **Let it Rest and Serve**:
– After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful experience.
– Present the grilled chicken garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

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### **Serving Recommendations**

Grilled chicken marinated with lemon and fresh herbs pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:

– **Salads**: A refreshing green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a Mediterranean salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
– **Grains**: Serve alongside quinoa, couscous, or a wild rice pilaf for a filling and nutritious combination.
– **Vegetables**: Grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the chicken’s smoky flavors.
– **Bread**: A side of warm pita or a crusty baguette is ideal for soaking up any leftover juices.

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### **Essential Tips for Success**

1. **Utilize Fresh Ingredients**: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh herbs significantly enhance flavor compared to their dried counterparts.