Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts are a flavorful, healthy dinner option, seasoned with a refreshing mix of zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and garlic. This dish is simple to prepare yet impressively delicious, making it perfect for weeknights or entertaining. It’s juicy, tender, and versatile enough to pair with any side.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) internally to retain juiciness.
- Oil the Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe stands out for its balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic. Its simplicity allows it to shine as a weeknight staple or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Whether paired with vegetables, salads, or grains, this dish is versatile, nutritious, and ideal for anyone focusing on healthy eating without compromising taste.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts
Juicy, zesty lemon herb chicken breasts packed with flavor, perfect for a healthy dinner or meal-prep option.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Double the marinade to reserve some as a sauce (cook it separately to ensure food safety).
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 304Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 102mgSodium 619mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 38g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and ease. Pound them to an even thickness for consistency.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor. The zest enhances the citrus profile.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the marinade with rich flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a robust, savory depth to the marinade.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring earthy, aromatic notes; dried herbs work if fresh aren’t available.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika adds the perfect amount of seasoning.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor. Turkey cutlets are also an excellent alternative.
- Citrus Options: Replace lemon with lime or orange for a unique twist.
- Herb Choices: Experiment with oregano, dill, or cilantro for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.
- Vegetarian Option: Use the marinade on firm tofu or large portobello mushrooms for a plant-based option.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to avoid drying out.
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