These grilled chicken breasts are a tasty treat, bursting with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic. They’re super juicy and perfect for a summer meal!
I love serving them with a fresh salad or my favorite veggies. It’s quick to make, and the flavors are just right—not too strong, just deliciously refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to grill and cook quickly. For a different flavor, you can use thighs instead, which are juicier and tend to stay tender on the grill.
Lemons: Fresh lemons add brightness. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice makes a great substitute for the marinade. Just keep the lemon slices for garnish if you have them.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for strong flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. I find about half a teaspoon of garlic powder can replace one clove. Just adjust to your taste!
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives the chicken moisture and flavor. If you need a lower-fat option, you could use vegetable oil or even broth for marinating.
Fresh Parsley: I love using fresh parsley for garnish. If you don’t have any on hand, basil or cilantro can work nicely instead.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken might seem tricky, but with a few tips, it can be simple! The key is controlling the heat and cooking time to avoid dryness.
- Marinating: Make sure the chicken is in the marinade for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor. Overnight is even better if you have the time.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Too hot and the chicken can burn on the outside while being raw inside.
- Flipping: Wait for the grill marks before flipping the chicken! This takes about 6-7 minutes. Patience is key here.
- Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through at 165°F (75°C). It’s the best way to avoid dry chicken.
- Resting: Let the chicken rest after grilling for a few minutes. This locks in the juices and keeps it moist.
Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons (1 for juice and 1 for slices)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and marinates for at least 30 minutes. Grilling will take an additional 15 minutes. So, plan for around 55 minutes total, including resting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, juice from one lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed, and this yummy marinade is ready!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure they are well coated all over. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for better flavor—if you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours is even better!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps get those perfect grill marks and a nice sear on the chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side, until you see nice grill marks. Flip the chicken over and top each breast with lemon slices.
5. Finish Grilling:
Continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. Let It Rest and Serve:
When the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken warm!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Pieces Instead of Boneless Breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces! Just keep in mind that they will take longer to cook through, so adjust your grilling time accordingly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and consider placing a piece of aluminum foil over the chicken if you notice it browning too quickly.
How to Make This Recipe in the Oven?
If you prefer to cook this in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). After marinating the chicken, place it in a baking dish, add the lemon slices on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Use Different Herbs Instead of Oregano?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary work wonderfully with lemon and garlic, too. Just use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs or 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for the best results.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
