This dish features juicy grilled chicken breasts infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. It’s simple yet bursting with flavor, making it a perfect meal any day!
Who doesn’t love the smell of garlic on the grill? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! I like to serve this chicken with a fresh salad for a light and tasty dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things lean and tender. If you prefer dark meat, use boneless skinless thighs instead for a juicier result.
Olive Oil: This oil is perfect for marinades due to its flavor. If you want a different taste, avocado oil works well too. Just keep in mind, it has a higher smoke point!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference here. If you don’t have any, bottled lemon juice is fine, but fresh will always give you a brighter flavor!
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers more intense flavor than garlic powder. If you’re in a rush, garlic paste works too, just use less since it’s more concentrated.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are great, but feel free to replace them with fresh herbs. Just remember, use three times as much fresh herbs, as they’re less potent.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it right every time. The key is to marinate your chicken well and control the heat. Here’s how:
- First, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, aim for 2 hours, but don’t exceed 4 hours, as the acid can toughen the meat.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures you get those lovely grill marks without burning the meat.
- Always oil your grill grates lightly before placing the chicken on to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken only once per side. Avoid flipping multiple times, as this can cause it to dry out. Aim for 6-7 minutes on the first side until you see beautiful grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with an additional marinating time of 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how flavorful you want the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, in total, you can expect around 1 hour, including marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavor-packed marinade.
2. Marinade the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, try to let it sit for up to 2 hours.
3. Prepare the Grill:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent the chicken from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken from the marinade, discarding the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side until you see nice grill marks, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Grill the Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of grilling, add lemon slices to the grill until they are lightly caramelized. This will add a delicious and tangy flavor as a garnish.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes on a plate. Garnish with the grilled lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley if you like. Serve your warm, flavorful grilled chicken breasts and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time since bone-in chicken takes longer to cook than boneless. Grill each side for about 8-10 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Lemon Juice?
If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor! You can also try using other citrus juices like lime or orange, though it will change the overall taste slightly.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it gently or warm it on the grill or stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Spices or Herbs to the Marinade?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite spices or herbs, such as rosemary, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Just remember to mix and match according to your taste preferences!
