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Fresh Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breast

fresh grilled lemon herb chicken breast recipe - featured image

A quick and easy grilled chicken breast recipe featuring a bright lemon and fresh herb marinade that delivers juicy, flavorful results perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until bright and herbal.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts (optional): Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch (2 cm) for even cooking and juiciness.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours.
  4. Preheat the grill: Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C) and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the chicken: Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping only once, until grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on the chicken.
  6. Rest before serving: Remove chicken from grill and let rest covered loosely with foil for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps ensure even cooking and juiciness. Marinate for at least 20 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to avoid mushy texture. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C). Flip chicken only once to keep it juicy. If grilling indoors, a grill pan or cast iron skillet works well but won’t impart the smoky flavor of an outdoor grill.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken breast, summer grilling, quick dinner, juicy chicken