These grilled chicken breasts are bursting with flavor from zesty lemon and tasty garlic. They’re simple to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Whenever I whip these up, my family can’t get enough! I love serving them with a fresh salad—it’s healthy and makes me feel like a kitchen superstar! 🍋🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook evenly. If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute with chicken thighs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time a bit.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the chicken not stick to the grill. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using avocado oil instead—it has a similar flavor profile and is great for high-heat cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a strong flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about ½ teaspoon.
Lemons: The juice adds freshness and acidity. For a milder flavor, you can try using lime juice instead of lemon juice. Also, adding a splash of white wine or vinegar can enhance the taste.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme add nice herbal notes. If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them! Fresh thyme or oregano will elevate the dish even more.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating is key for infusing flavor into your chicken. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Combine your marinade ingredients—olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper—in a bowl and mix well.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Make sure the chicken is well-coated!
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, aim for 2-4 hours.
Tip: Don’t marinate too long (over 4 hours) to avoid the chicken becoming mushy from the acid in the lemon juice!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy grilled chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate (or up to 4 hours for extra flavor). Cooking the chicken on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, set aside a total of around 55 minutes to 4 hours, depending on how long you decide to marinate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, juice of 1 lemon, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This fragrant marinade will bring lots of flavors to the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each breast is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours if you have time.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops those nice grill marks!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done marinating, take it out and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts directly on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side. If you’re feeling adventurous, add lemon slices right next to the chicken on the grill for extra flavor!
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
After the first side is done, flip the chicken breasts over and grill for another 6-7 minutes. The chicken is ready when it has nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The grilled lemon slices should also have a nice char.
6. Let it Rest:
Remove the chicken and grilled lemon slices from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps it stay juicy and tender!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled chicken garnished with the grilled lemon slices and chopped parsley, if you like. Dig in and enjoy your delicious, lemony chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and can add even more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You may need to grill them a few minutes longer, depending on their size.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or as long as 4 hours for the best flavor. If you plan to marinate it longer than that, like overnight, consider reducing the acidity (lemon juice) slightly to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and the marinade ahead of time. Just marinate it, then store it in the fridge for up to 4 hours. If you have leftovers, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently using a skillet or microwave.
What Should I Serve with Grilled Chicken Breasts?
This grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a creamy pasta. You might also consider serving it with some rice or couscous to soak up all those delicious flavors!
