This Grilled Chicken with Lemon Garlic is a simple and tasty dish! Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic garlic for a bright flavor that everyone will love.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I like to serve it with a fresh salad or some grilled veggies on the side. It’s a light meal that’s perfect for a sunny day! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you want, you can swap them for thighs for extra flavor, or even use turkey breasts for a leaner option.
Olive Oil: This oil adds richness and helps to prevent sticking. If you’re out, avocado oil is a great alternative due to its high smoke point and similar flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemons brighten the dish. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always better for flavor. Try to squeeze half a lemon per serving for good measure!
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth to the marinade. If you’re not a fan, garlic powder is a decent substitution—about 1/4 teaspoon for every clove.
Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme are classic choices here. If you have fresh herbs available, they are a delicious alternative! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is marinating! This step allows the flavors to infuse the meat and keeps it tender. Here’s how:
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; longer for more flavor—up to 2 hours is great.
Also, let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute. Just a few minutes will make a big difference in keeping it moist!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons (one for juice, one for slices)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to cook on the grill. Remember to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to really enhance the flavor. So, in total, you should allow around 1 hour for everything, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. In that bowl, combine the olive oil, the juice from one lemon, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well to create a tasty marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, making sure each piece gets well-coated in the marinade. Once they’re all coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have a little more time, letting it soak up those flavors for up to 2 hours is ideal!
3. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stove, get that nice and hot too. Take the chicken out of the marinade and throw away the leftover marinade. Now, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill each breast for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Then flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink inside.
4. Grill the Lemon Slices:
While the chicken is cooking, you can make it even better by adding lemon slices to the grill. During the last few minutes of grilling, place the lemon slices directly on the grill. Let them caramelize for about 2-3 minutes until they have beautiful grill marks.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. When you’re ready to serve, place the grilled chicken on a plate and top it with the grilled lemon slices. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken with lemon garlic!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, grilling them for about 7-8 minutes per side until they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use any light cooking oil such as canola oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all will work well for marinating and grilling the chicken.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on a grill pan over medium heat to retain its juiciness.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can make the marinade a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just grab it when you’re ready to use it with the chicken. This can save time and enhance the flavor even more!
