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Flavorful Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

grilled lemon herb chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy grilled chicken breast recipe infused with bright lemon and fresh herbs, perfect for summer meals and backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
  • Juice of 2 fresh lemons (about 1/4 cup/60 ml)
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using in a mixing bowl.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving to get grill marks, then flip and cook another 6-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  6. Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Oil grill grates or chicken to prevent sticking. Manage flare-ups by moving chicken to cooler grill zones if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb chicken, summer meals, easy chicken recipe, barbecue chicken, healthy chicken breast