This grilled lemon chicken is juicy, zesty, and super easy to make! The tangy lemon flavor really brings life to the chicken and makes every bite delicious.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of this recipe! It’s perfect for summer grilling parties or a quick dinner on busy nights. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy—it’s that simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook evenly on the grill. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs. They add a bit more flavor and stay juicier during cooking.
Olive Oil: This ingredient adds richness and helps the marinade adhere to the chicken. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with avocado oil or even vegetable oil. Just choose a neutral oil without strong flavors.
Lemons: Fresh lemons are key for maximum flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but it doesn’t have the same brightness. Try using lime juice as a fun twist!
Oregano: Dried oregano is perfect in this marinade for a Mediterranean touch. If you prefer fresh, use about three times the amount of fresh oregano since it’s less concentrated. If oregano isn’t your favorite, thyme is a nice alternative.
How Do You Grill Chicken to Keep It Juicy?
Grilling chicken perfectly takes some attention, but it’s totally manageable! The most important part is marinating the chicken. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep it juicy while it cooks.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight works wonders for getting deeper flavors.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This helps to get those lovely grill marks without drying out the chicken.
- Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken for a moist finish.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled lemon chicken will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate. After marinating, grilling will take around 12 to 14 minutes. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, mostly for marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour—if you have time, letting it marinate overnight will really enhance the flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This makes sure your chicken gets those lovely grill marks and cooks evenly.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out from the marinade and discard any leftovers. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) and you see beautiful grill marks on the outside.
5. Let it Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices, making your chicken tender and tasty.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your grilled chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve it alongside some lemon slices for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken! Just be aware that the grilling time will be longer. Aim for about 10-12 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Adjust the grill’s heat to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted butter. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all work well to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during grilling.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the chicken and marinate as directed. This makes meal prep super easy!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
