Description
A quick and easy grilled chicken breast recipe featuring a bright lemon and herb marinade that keeps the chicken juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 medium lemons, about 60 ml)
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil (60 ml), preferably extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (flat-leaf preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Mix the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly score the chicken surface with a fork for deeper flavor absorption.
- Marinate: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) when done.
- Rest the chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice against the grain and plate with your favorite sides.
Notes
Do not marinate longer than 2 hours to avoid mushy texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices. If no grill is available, use a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (115 g) cooked
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: lemon herb grilled chicken, grilled chicken breast, lemon chicken recipe, easy chicken marinade, healthy grilled chicken, quick dinner, juicy chicken breast