Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Optional lemon slices for serving When making Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, gather these key ingredients first. You need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These cook evenly and stay tender. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor, while extra-virgin olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Next, we add herbs and spices. Garlic gives a strong, savory punch. Dried oregano and fresh thyme add depth. Use fresh thyme if you can; it has more flavor. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. They enhance all the other tastes. Fresh parsley is great for garnish. It adds color and freshness. You can also use lemon slices to serve. They look nice and add extra zing. With these simple ingredients, you create a dish that is both tasty and easy to make. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a family favorite. {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil. - Add the zest of 1 lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons oregano, and 2 teaspoons fresh thyme. - Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade will add flavor to your chicken. - Place 4 chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. - Pour the marinade over the chicken and make sure each piece is coated. - Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, marinate overnight. - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear. - Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover liquid. - Place the chicken on the grill, cooking for 6-7 minutes on one side. Do not move them to get nice grill marks. - Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes. Check that it reaches 165°F (75°C). - Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. - Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a nice touch. The right marination time makes a big difference. For great flavor, marinate for at least one hour. If you have time, let the chicken soak overnight. This helps the chicken absorb all the tasty herbs and lemon juice. When sealing the bag, make sure it is tight. A good seal keeps the marinade close to the chicken. This keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor. When grilling, flare-ups can ruin your meal. To avoid this, always discard leftover marinade before grilling. Place the chicken gently on the grill. Don’t move it for the first few minutes. This helps to get nice grill marks. To cook evenly, flip the chicken halfway through the grilling time. Keep an eye on the grill temperature. You want it hot enough to sear but not too hot to burn. Resting the chicken is key for juiciness. If you slice it right after grilling, the juices run out. Let the chicken rest for about five minutes. This time allows the juices to settle back into the meat. After resting, slice the chicken for the best taste. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful lemon herb grilled chicken! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor infusion, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Perfect Grill Marks: To achieve beautiful grill marks, avoid moving the chicken around on the grill. Let it sear undisturbed for the first half of the cooking time. Check Doneness with a Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender chicken. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of the chicken by using different herbs. For example, try adding rosemary for a woodsy taste. You can also adjust the acidity by using vinegar instead of lemon juice. Balsamic or apple cider vinegar works well. This change can give the chicken a tangy kick. You don’t need a grill to enjoy this dish. You can cook the chicken in an oven or on a stovetop grill pan. For the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and cook for about 20-25 minutes. If you prefer broiling, set your oven to broil and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice char without a grill. Lemon herb grilled chicken pairs well with various side dishes. Fresh salads or grains like quinoa complement the dish nicely. You can also serve it with dips or sauces. A yogurt sauce or chimichurri adds a fresh, zesty touch. Consider adding some lemon slices for a bright visual and flavor boost. To store your grilled chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always check for any off smells or changes before eating. If you want to freeze your chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Frozen grilled chicken can last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best results. To reheat grilled chicken, use a microwave or an oven. If using a microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in. For the oven, heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This way, your chicken stays juicy, not dry. Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, let it soak overnight. This helps the chicken absorb all the lemon and herb goodness. Grilled chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces may take longer to cook than boneless chicken. Great side dishes include: - Grilled vegetables - Rice or quinoa - A fresh garden salad - Roasted potatoes These pair well with the bright flavors of the chicken. Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until ready to use. This makes meal prep easier and saves time on cooking day. This guide covers how to make lemon herb grilled chicken. You learned about the main ingredients, preparation steps, and grilling tips. Remember to marinate the chicken well for juicy flavor. Use various herbs to mix it up and try different cooking methods. Store leftovers safely and reheat carefully without drying out. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal. By following these steps, you can create a tasty and healthy chicken that everyone will love.$

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Delight

A flavorful grilled chicken recipe marinated in lemon juice and herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
optional lemon slices for serving

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Once marinated, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any remaining liquid.
Carefully place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, then flip and continue grilling for an additional 6-7 minutes.
Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
After cooking, transfer the chicken from the grill to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish the grilled chicken with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Keyword chicken, grilled, herb, lemon, marinade