Description
This Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic mixture. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal, the chicken is grilled to perfection and served with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice, about 3 tablespoons juice)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound any thick areas to ensure even thickness. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss them until fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on one side without moving them, then use tongs to flip and grill the other side for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and serve with fresh lemon wedges for added citrus flavor.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for no more than 2 hours to prevent the lemon juice from making the meat mushy.
- Ensure the grill is preheated for a nice sear and grill marks.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer; chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C).
- For an indoor option, a grill pan works well if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
- Serving with lemon wedges adds a fresh burst of flavor just before eating.