Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken – A Fresh & Flavorful Favorite!

Looking for a quick, healthy dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is your new go-to! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a bright blend of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection for a dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a summer cookout, this easy recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort. Plus, it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and totally crave-worthy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Requires only a handful of pantry staples.

Versatile: Great for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Healthy: High in protein and low in carbs.

Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for lunches and dinners throughout the wee

Ingredients You’ll Need

This flavorful lemon herb grilled chicken recipe comes together with just a few pantry and fridge staples. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Chicken – This recipe uses 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are juicy and full of flavor. You can also substitute with bone-in thighs, chicken breasts, or even chicken wings depending on your preference.

Olive Oil – A high-quality olive oil helps lock in moisture, enhances flavor, and keeps the chicken from sticking to the grill. Cold-pressed, organic olive oil is ideal but not required.

Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the marinade its signature brightness. You’ll need the juice of about 2 lemons, and for even more citrusy flavor, feel free to add a bit of lemon zest.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds bold depth to the marinade. You can also use jarred minced garlic for convenience.

Fresh Herbs – A mix of fresh thyme and rosemary infuses the chicken with aromatic, earthy flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute with dried thyme, dried rosemary, or even dried oregano.

Salt & Pepper – These essential seasonings help enhance all the other flavors in the marinade and the chicken itself.

How to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

This lemon herb chicken is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, healthy meal your whole family will love:

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This zesty herb marinade will infuse the chicken with bright, savory flavor.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag. Pour most of the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Tip: Reserve a small amount of the marinade to brush over the chicken during grilling for extra flavor.

3. Let It Marinate

Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours. Since lemon juice is highly acidic, marinating too long can affect the chicken’s texture.

4. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard any remaining marinade.

Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a digital meat thermometer.

5. Rest and Serve

Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps seal in the juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Make the most of this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe with these simple yet effective tips:

Don’t Over-Marinate: For the best texture, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. The lemon juice is highly acidic and can begin to break down the meat if left too long, resulting in a mushy or tough texture.

Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan before cooking to prevent the chicken from sticking and to help achieve those perfect grill marks.

Oven Option: No grill? No problem! You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or drying out your chicken, use a digital meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Save Some Marinade: Set aside a small amount of the marinade (before it touches raw chicken) to brush over the chicken while grilling. This adds an extra layer of flavor during cooking.

Double as Dressing: This lemon herb marinade also works beautifully as a light salad dressing—fresh, zesty, and perfect for summer greens!

How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken

This lemon herb chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

As a Main Protein

Enjoy this chicken as the centerpiece of your meal alongside a healthy side. It goes perfectly with:

Steamed or sautéed vegetables

Baked asparagus

Broccoli salad

Creamy mashed potatoes

Rice or quinoa

Over a Salad

Slice the grilled chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a light and flavorful meal. It’s especially delicious with:

A healthy Caesar salad

Wild rice and chicken salad

Strawberry balsamic spinach salad

In a Wrap or Sandwich

Layer the chicken into a wrap or sandwich with fresh greens, sliced veggies, and your favorite spread for a quick and healthy lunch option.

Prepping and Storage Tips

Leftover lemon herb chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for tossing into salads or wraps for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.

To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 4 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Important: If the chicken you used was previously frozen and then thawed, it's best not to freeze it again after cooking.

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