This grilled chicken is juicy and flavorful, thanks to a zesty lemon and garlic marinade. It’s perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight meal!
Honestly, the tangy lemon makes it feel like a party on my plate! When I serve it with rice or a fresh salad, even my pickiest eaters clean their plates!
I love how simple it is to make—just marinate, grill, and enjoy. Plus, it’s healthy too, so I feel good about serving it any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can also work well, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely flavor, but you can substitute it with other oils like avocado or canola oil if needed. I often choose avocado oil for its high smoke point when grilling.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for a bright flavor. If you lack fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder. Stick to 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Lemon: Fresh lemons give the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just be careful with the amount, as it can be more concentrated flavor-wise. Zesting adds an extra hint of freshness, so I highly recommend it!
Oregano: Dried oregano is used here, but if you have fresh oregano on hand, that works beautifully too. You’d use about three times the amount of fresh oregano compared to dried.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is what maximizes flavor and keeps it juicy. For the best results, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; however, a few hours or even overnight yields more intense flavors. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge!
- Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish, pour marinade, seal or cover, and refrigerate.
Remember to discard the leftover marinade before grilling; it’s important to keep the chicken safe! Also, letting it rest post-grilling allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices for grilling (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. You can marinate it up to 4 hours for even better flavor. Grilling will take about 15 minutes. So, total time is approximately 1 hour, depending on how long you choose to marinate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth – this is your tasty marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets covered well. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the chicken gets those delicious grill marks and cooks evenly.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, and throw away any leftover marinade. If you want to add a nice touch, place a lemon slice on top of each chicken breast. Now, place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
5. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, you can slice or serve it whole. Garnish with extra lemon slices if you like. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary; thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No problem! You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice, but use less, as bottled varieties can be more concentrated. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste. Additionally, you can zest other citrus fruits like limes or oranges for a twist!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! The marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the chicken moist while reheating!
