These grilled chicken breasts are bursting with fresh flavors! Marinated in lemon and garlic, they turn out juicy and tender, making them a tasty choice for lunch or dinner.
Who doesn’t love a dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing? I sometimes pair mine with a side salad. It’s a quick and refreshing meal that makes you feel good about eating healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute. They’re juicier and often more flavorful.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil works well too. It has a high smoke point and a mild flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. If you’re short on lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always tastier!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must because of its vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, using garlic powder can suffice, but I suggest using less as it’s more concentrated.
Thyme: Fresh thyme brings a lovely fragrance. Dried thyme is a great substitute—just remember that it has a stronger flavor, so use less.
How Do You Ensure Juicy Grilled Chicken?
Cooking chicken on the grill can be tricky, but I’ve found a few tips that help keep it juicy. The key is to not overcook the chicken and to let it rest after grilling. Here’s how:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; more time enhances flavor.
- Cook at medium-high heat—this helps achieve a nice sear without drying it out.
- Use a meat thermometer! Cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to settle, keeping each bite tender.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes of marinating time. You’ll spend about 15 minutes grilling the chicken, making it a total of around 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will be the tasty marinade for your chicken. Stir it well until everything is nicely combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated with the mixture. Once everything is coated, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will really boost the flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to get those nice grill marks and perfectly cooked chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off before placing them on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when nice grill marks appear and the chicken lifts easily from the grill.
5. Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the chicken breasts and grill them for another 6-7 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more delicious. When ready, slice the chicken and serve it with lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your tasty grilled chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to remain juicier during cooking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No problem at all! You can substitute with dried thyme; just use about 1 teaspoon, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. If you want to experiment, dried oregano or basil can also work well with this marinade!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or olive oil to keep it moist.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor! Just remember to cover the marinade well in the fridge. However, avoid marinating chicken in acidic marinades like this one for more than 24 hours as it can change the texture of the meat.
