These grilled chicken breasts are juicy and full of flavor, thanks to a bright mix of lemon and garlic. Perfect for a summer cookout or a weeknight meal!
I always enjoy the fresh taste of lemon with chicken; it’s like a little sunshine on my plate! 🍋 For an extra treat, serve it with some veggies or a light salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal since they cook evenly and are easy to slice. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are a great alternative.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the dish. If you’re out, vegetable oil or avocado oil work well too. Just be cautious with flavored oils, as they can change the dish’s profile.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Lemons: The juice and zest enhance brightness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, although fresh is always more vibrant. Lime juice is a great substitute too!
Fresh Parsley: This is optional, but it adds freshness. If you don’t have parsley, consider cilantro or chives for a different flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Well-Cooked?
Keeping the chicken juicy can be easy if you follow a few simple steps. The marinade not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it, so don’t skip this step.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; longer is better. Aim for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- When grilling, make sure the grill is hot—about 400°F (200°C). This seals in juices quickly.
- Don’t flip the chicken too soon; it needs time to develop a nice sear. The timing should be about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You want 165°F (75°C) for safety!
- Let it rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.
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
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Lemon slices for grilling (about 2 lemons)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to marinate. You’ll then need around 15-20 minutes for grilling. Overall, it’s a quick dish, making it perfect for a tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This marinade is what will give your chicken a delicious flavor, so make sure everything is well mixed!
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, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for getting a nice sear on the chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes without moving them. This allows for those beautiful grill marks!
5. Flip and Add Lemons:
Carefully flip the chicken breasts using tongs. At this point, place lemon slices directly on the grill next to the chicken. Grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the chicken and serve it with the grilled lemon slices alongside. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish.
Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken with lemon garlic!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) near the bone to ensure it’s fully cooked. You might also want to lower the grill heat slightly to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with another oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point so it can handle the grilling temperature.
How Can I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on a grill to retain some of the juiciness.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight can enhance the flavor even more. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken, making it overly tender and mushy.
