Description
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a delightful recipe that marries simplicity with gourmet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by making the marinade that will infuse your chicken with flavor. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a citrusy base. Then, add minced garlic for a flavor kick, and incorporate the fresh herbs—rosemary and thyme. For a touch of depth, mix in Dijon mustard, followed by salt and black pepper to season. Whisk the marinade until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
- Next, take your chicken breasts or thighs and immerse them into the marinade. It’s best to use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated, as this will maximize flavor penetration. After this, seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though longer marinating (up to several hours) will yield even better results.
- With the chicken marinated and your grill preheated to medium-high heat, it’s time to cook! Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook each piece for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side. For best practice, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through while remaining juicy and tender.
- After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting is critical as it helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist. Once rested, slice the chicken against the grain and serve it with your choice of side dishes. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken!
Notes
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but longer (up to 24 hours) will deepen the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 26 g