Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices (for grilling) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) How to measure lemon juice accurately: To measure lemon juice, cut the lemon in half. Use a juicer or squeeze it by hand. Strain out any seeds for a smooth juice. One medium lemon gives about 2 tablespoons of juice. Best oils for grilling chicken: For grilling chicken, I recommend olive oil. It has a nice flavor and a high smoke point. Canola oil is another good choice. It can handle high heat well. Alternative herbs to use: If you want to change up the flavor, try basil, cilantro, or tarragon. Each herb brings a fresh taste to the chicken. Other marinades for chicken: You can use yogurt or buttermilk for a tangy twist. A teriyaki or barbecue sauce adds sweetness. Experiment with your favorites for fun flavors! To make the marinade, start with a large bowl. Whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s well combined. This marinade is key for flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Longer marinating times, up to 2 hours, give deeper flavor. Always cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken safe and flavorful. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on the stove. This step is important for even cooking. Next, remove the chicken from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade for safety. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the last two minutes, add lemon slices to the grill. Cook them until they are slightly charred. This adds a nice touch and flavor to your plate. After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps keep the meat juicy. For presentation, garnish the chicken with the grilled lemon slices and chopped parsley. This adds color and freshness to your dish. For more details, check the Full Recipe for a complete guide. To avoid dry chicken, marinate it well. A good marinade adds moisture. Let the chicken soak in the mix for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep it juicy while grilling. Flip the chicken only once to get nice grill marks. Always check for doneness. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading. Want to boost flavor? Use citrus zest. Grate some lemon peel into the marinade. This adds a fresh zing. You can also add spice for heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes works well. If you like it spicy, try cayenne pepper. These small changes can really elevate your dish. What side dishes go well with grilled chicken? Try a light salad or roasted veggies. These options balance the meal. You can also serve your chicken with sauces and dips. A creamy garlic sauce or tangy yogurt dip pairs nicely. Consider a fresh herb sauce for a bright finish. These choices make your meal complete and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of grilled lemon herb chicken easily. Here are some fun ideas: - Herb variations: Try using basil or cilantro instead of thyme and rosemary. Each herb brings a new taste. - Adding sweetness: Mix in honey or maple syrup for a sweet twist. This will balance the tangy lemon and make it unique. You can cook this chicken in different ways to fit your needs. - Baking versus grilling: If you do not have a grill, baking is a great option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. - Using an air fryer: An air fryer cooks chicken quickly and crisps the outside. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway for even cooking. How you serve your grilled chicken can change the meal. - Traditional versus gourmet presentations: For a simple look, serve the chicken with grilled lemon slices and parsley. For gourmet, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese. - Wraps and salads with grilled chicken: To make wraps, slice the chicken and add it to a tortilla with veggies and sauce. For salads, chop the chicken and toss it with greens and your favorite dressing. These variations keep your meals fresh and exciting! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. After grilling, let the chicken cool for a few minutes. Place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours to keep it fresh. Grilled lemon herb chicken stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. I recommend using the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy. If you choose the microwave, do it in short bursts. Heat for 1 minute, then check. Add more time if needed. Microwaving may dry out the chicken, so be careful. Marinated chicken can last in the fridge for 1 to 2 days before cooking. Once cooked, you can store it for 3 to 4 days. If you see any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it. Spoiled chicken can make you sick, so always check for signs of spoilage. If it feels slimy or has a strong odor, do not eat it. - How long to grill chicken breasts? Grill chicken breasts for about 12 to 15 minutes total. Cook them for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. This ensures they are juicy and tender. - What should the internal temperature of grilled chicken be? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This keeps the chicken safe to eat. - Can I marinate chicken overnight? Yes, you can marinate chicken overnight. This helps the flavors soak in deeply. Just don’t marinate for too long, as the acid can change the texture. - Is grilled chicken healthier than fried? Yes, grilled chicken is generally healthier than fried chicken. Grilling uses less oil and fat. It also keeps the chicken leaner and packed with protein. - What are the nutritional benefits of lemon and herbs? Lemons add vitamin C and antioxidants. Herbs like thyme and rosemary offer flavor without salt. They also have health benefits, like improving digestion. - Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill? Absolutely! A grill pan works well indoors. It gives you nice grill marks and a smoky flavor. Just heat it on medium before adding the chicken. - Tips for grilling on a charcoal grill vs. gas grill For charcoal, let the coals heat until they are white before cooking. For gas, preheat the grill for about 10 minutes. Both methods work great for grilling chicken. You now know how to grill perfect lemon herb chicken. We covered the key ingredients and tips for success. Plus, we explored tasty twists and variations. Grilling is not just about cooking; it’s about enjoyment. Use what you learned to impress friends and family. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy your grilled chicken journey!$

Discover the deliciousness of zesty grilled lemon herb chicken that will elevate your summer barbecues! This easy recipe combines fresh lemon juice, herbs, and spices to create mouth-watering, juicy chicken. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, it's a dish everyone will love. Ready to impress your taste buds?

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon slices (for grilling)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for richer flavor.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on the stove.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

During the last two minutes of cooking, add lemon slices to the grill and cook until they are slightly charred.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Garnish the chicken with the grilled lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4