This Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken is juicy and full of zesty flavor! With a simple marinade of lemon juice, pepper, and olive oil, it’s a quick recipe that brightens up any meal.
I love making this chicken on warm days when I can cook outside. It pairs perfectly with a fresh salad and is an easy way to impress friends at a barbecue. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts stay juicy and cook faster on the grill. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs work well too and can handle a bit more heat without drying out.
Olive Oil: This is great for marinating and grilling, adding moisture and flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil is a good choice due to its high smoke point.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This blend adds a nice zing. If you don’t have it, you can mix equal parts of black pepper and lemon zest or use a premade lemon seasoning mix instead.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme or parsley add a lovely touch. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs like Italian seasoning can also work, but use less since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Always Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is marinating and monitoring your grill’s temperature. Marinating infuses flavor and helps the chicken stay moist. After mixing your marinade, coat the chicken well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, but longer is even better.
- Preheat your grill properly; a hot grill prevents sticking and ensures good sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to keep it juicy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps the juices in.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
For Serving:
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and marinating, plus around 16-20 minutes for grilling. In total, you should plan for about 30-40 minutes to create your delicious grilled lemon pepper chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and then patting them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to help ensure the seasoning sticks well.
2. Mix the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the olive oil and seasoning mixture and rub it evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure they are well-coated to absorb all that tasty flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you can, let it sit in the fridge for up to 1 hour for even more flavor.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook them for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Grill the Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of grilling, add the lemon slices to the grill. Let them cook until they are slightly charred to add a delicious smoky lemon flavor!
7. Rest the Chicken:
Once your chicken and lemon slices are done, remove them from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps retain its juices for a tender bite.
8. Serve Your Dish:
Now it’s time to serve! Arrange the grilled chicken breasts on a plate, topping them with the grilled lemon slices. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve it alongside mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for a fresh and balanced meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy grilled lemon pepper chicken!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so make sure to check for doneness using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavors. Just be sure to keep it sealed tightly to avoid any contamination from other foods.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
If you don’t have lemon pepper seasoning on hand, you can mix equal parts of lemon zest and black pepper or use a combination of garlic, onion, and extra lemon juice for a similar flavor profile.
Can I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or a skillet to maintain its juiciness without overcooking.
