🍋 Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken – A Juicy, Zesty Favorite for Your Backyard BBQ
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🔥 Why You'll Love This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Looking for a go-to grilled chicken recipe that’s both light and full of flavor? This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a summer staple that brings juicy, citrusy brightness to your plate without any fuss. It's perfectly marinated with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs—creating a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
With minimal prep and big flavor payoff, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or backyard BBQs with friends and family.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl or resealable zip bag, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful marinade with a perfect balance of citrusy brightness and savory herbs.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. Do not over-marinate, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the meat texture.
3. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
4. Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
5. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of fresh flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your grilled lemon herb chicken with:
- Grilled seasonal vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus)
- Herbed couscous or quinoa
- Roasted baby potatoes
- A light arugula or Greek salad
It also works great as a protein base for wraps, bowls, or sandwiches.
💪 Healthy & Family-Friendly
This grilled lemon herb chicken recipe is:
✅ High in protein
✅ Low in carbs and sugar
✅ Gluten-free and dairy-free
✅ Perfect for meal prep
Whether you're following a clean eating plan, Mediterranean diet, or just want a lighter BBQ option, this chicken hits the mark.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a pan or microwave to avoid drying out.
- Meal prep: Slice and portion into lunch containers with grains and veggies for easy weekday meals.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can deliver incredible flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and a short marinating time, you get a juicy, herb-packed dish that's versatile enough for casual dinners or entertaining guests.
Perfect for those looking to eat clean, boost protein intake, or just enjoy a taste of summer all year long.
📌 Save this recipe, share it with friends, or print it out for your next grill night.
🌿 Want a baked version or oven-roasted alternative? Let me know—I’ll help you adapt it!
