Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic is a bright and tasty dish. The chicken is juicy and flavored with zesty lemon and savory garlic, making it absolutely mouthwatering!
Cooking this chicken is super easy! Just marinate it, throw it on the grill, and enjoy a big, fresh taste. It’s perfect for sunny days or any time you need a quick, flavorful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you’re looking for alternatives, skinless thighs are juicier. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have it, grapeseed oil or avocado oil work well too, and both have high smoke points for grilling.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really brings out the flavor in this dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder could substitute—about 1/8 tsp per clove. Just remember, fresh is always best!
Lemon: The zesty addition of fresh lemon juice and zest brightens the chicken. If lemons are not available, you could substitute with lime or even vinegar, though it would change the flavor a bit.
Herbs: Oregano and thyme are classic herbs for this recipe. You can replace them with Italian seasoning or use fresh herbs instead—just double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to infusing it with flavor and keeping it juicy. Here’s how to do it and what to keep in mind:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. This helps distribute the flavors evenly.
- For the best results, let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes but aim for 2-4 hours. If you can, marinate overnight in the fridge for even deeper flavor.
- Make sure the chicken is coated evenly with the marinade. Using a resealable bag can be handy for this; just massage it gently to get the chicken covered.
- Don’t reuse the marinade unless you boil it first to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (for grilling and garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and at least 30 minutes to marinate. After marinating, you’ll need approximately 15 minutes for cooking on the grill. Overall, set aside about 1 hour to make sure your chicken is flavorful and juicy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be the tasty marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the freshly made marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 2-4 hours if you have the time!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the bag and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side until you see nice grill marks. Then, flip the chicken breasts over.
5. Add Lemon Slices:
While the chicken is grilling, place lemon slices directly on the grill beside the chicken. Grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. The grilled lemon will enhance the flavor even more!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This step helps keep the juices locked in. Serve the grilled chicken breasts with the beautifully grilled lemon slices on top for a fresh garnish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken breasts will take longer to cook. Aim for about 10-12 minutes on each side, and ensure the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemon?
No worries! You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice. Use about 2 tablespoons for the recipe, but keep in mind that fresh lemon has a brighter flavor. If you have lemon zest, feel free to use that for added flavor!
How Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Simply prepare the marinade as instructed and place the chicken in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to keep it in a sealed container or a well-sealed bag to prevent leakage and to retain flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm it up in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture. Pair it with a fresh salad or grain for a quick meal!
