Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Summer Meal

Enjoy summer with tasty grilled lemon herb chicken. It’s easy to make and the marinade is mouthwatering. This dish is known for its juicy taste. It’s made better with new photos¹. Perfect for simple cooking and healthy eating. The marinade uses lemon juice for a bright flavor.

Marinade Focus: It mixes dried herbs with olive oil. This creates a tasty mix in no time. For the best flavor, let the chicken sit in the marinade for 1 to 12 hours. This makes the meat tender with a hint of lemon¹. Pair it with grilled veggies or salad for a tasty meal at any summer event.

This chicken outdoes even the “Ultimate Marinated Grilled Chicken.” It gets top marks in taste tests as the best. Its juicy, tender meat makes it great for all events¹. Cook it outside this summer. Pair it with wine for a delicious mealtime adventure.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Making great grilled chicken with lemon herb starts with picking the right things. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. The mix of simple ingredients and flavorful marinade makes for a tasty and healthy dish.

Chicken Selection

Picking the perfect chicken is key. Boneless skinless breasts or thighs are the top choices for this dish. Make sure breasts are thinned out or cut into smaller pieces for even cooking².

Marinade Components

The marinade is a mix of great tastes for your chicken. It needs olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for a zesty flavor¹.

Herbs and Seasonings

For the chicken to be full of flavor, you’ll need herbs like basil and parsley, plus thyme and rosemary³. Add salt and pepper, too. This blend of herbs and spices enriches the marinade with a wonderful smell and taste². Fresh garlic also adds a rich flavor to the dish³.

With these ingredients, your lemon herb chicken will be tasty and good for you. It comes to 388 calories, with 2g carbs, and 49g protein per serving¹. This blend of herbs and spices makes it perfect for grilling in the summer.

How to Prepare the Lemon Herb Marinade

To make great lemon herb chicken, start by mixing the marinade ingredients. Combine lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. You can also use fresh or dried basil, parsley, and oregano, with a 3 to 1 ratio⁴. Add salt and pepper for more flavor in the chicken mix⁵.

Mixing the Marinade

Mix 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup white or red wine vinegar, and 5 cloves of minced garlic. Add 2 tablespoons each of fresh basil, mint, and parsley, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano. Finally, put in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Then, slowly mix in 1/2 cup of olive oil⁵.

Marinating Times and Tips

To get the best taste, marinate the chicken for 1 to 12 hours. This makes the chicken juicier. For bone-in chicken, grill each side for 10 minutes⁴. It should reach 165°F inside. Boneless, skinless chicken needs 4-5 minutes a side⁴.

Marinate too long and the chicken may turn mushy. If you need to marinate longer, add lemon juice later⁴⁵.

Storage Tips for Marinade

You can make extra marinade for later. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Use it within 4-5 days for the best flavor⁵. This way, a tasty meal is always just minutes away.

Cooking Instructions for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Cooking Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is easy and leads to tasty results. Start by taking the chicken out of its bag slowly. Let extra marinade drip off to prevent flare-ups.

Grilling Instructions

To get that lemon herb taste, heat your grill to medium. Grill the chicken breasts, flipping once, for 5-7 minutes each side. They are ready when they reach 160-165°F inside, and the juice is clear. This way, your chicken will be moist and delicious².

Alternative Stove Cooking Method

Don’t worry if you can’t grill. A stove works too. Just heat a skillet and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side. It will still be tasty and flavorful with the lemon herb spices.

This method is great for quick, healthy meals.

Ensuring Juicy and Tender Chicken

The secret is not to overcook the chicken. Use a thermometer. When it hits 160-165°F, it’s safe to eat. This makes sure your chicken is juicy and perfect for any dish¹².

You can keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days. It saves time for your next meal.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

The Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is tasty and very flexible. It’s great for summer parties. Also, it’s perfect for a healthy meal with family. You can make it look pretty with basil or parsley and lemon slices.

This yummy chicken goes well with lots of side dishes. A good meal is with Grilled Zucchini & Squash or Spicy Roasted Broccoli. For more taste, try it with salads like Blueberry Citrus Spinach Salad or Goat Cheese Strawberry Salad. They make the chicken’s flavor stand out more.

Try this chicken in many ways. It’s good as the main dish in a healthy recipe. Or, it can be part of a big feast for special times. The lemon herb marinade makes it always taste good. That’s why it’s a hit with many in summer recipes.

Use these ideas for any dinner, simple or fancy. Your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken will be a hit. It turns an easy dish into something special. It goes well with various sides and salads. This makes it a great choice for a tasty, healthy meal.

Tips for Preventing Chicken from Sticking to the Grill

Grilling chicken can be tough when it sticks to the grill. But with the right steps, you can avoid this. Make sure to prep your grill well. This will help your citrus herb chicken or marinated grilled chicken turn out great.

Preparing the Grill

First, clean and heat up your grill. A clean, hot grill keeps chicken from sticking⁶. Use marinade with oil, vinegar, or citrus juice to help. This makes the grill less sticky⁶. Before adding the chicken, oil the grill grates⁶. Also, let the grill grates get hot first for the best cooking surface.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Put your herb seasoned chicken on the grill and leave it alone at first. Wait before flipping to avoid sticking⁶. Use both direct and indirect heat. This prevents sticking and makes sure the chicken cooks evenly⁶. Try not to flip the chicken too much. Turning it often can cause it to stick⁶. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s temperature. This helps avoid overcooking and sticking⁶.

After grilling, clean the grill grates well. This stops future sticking problems⁶. Also, lightly oil the grill grates before each use. Doing these things helps keep the grill non-stick⁶. By following these tips, your grilled chicken will be perfect. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy dinner, especially during the summer. So, get grilling and serve with confidence!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Keep your grilled chicken tasty for next meals with the right storage. Put leftovers in a tight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days¹. When heating it again, using the stovetop is best. This keeps the chicken moist and full of flavor. Or, you can use the microwave for a quick warm-up.

The savory chicken marinade can be frozen too. You can freeze chicken breasts for up to 4 months. Remember to defrost in the fridge before reheating³. It doesn’t matter if you’re using it on chicken tenderloins or thighs. Reheating the chicken right keeps it tasting great and tender.

Follow these tips to keep your bbq chicken fresh and delicious. You’ll always have the best-grilled chicken ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

The Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a top pick for an easy, tasty, and healthy choice in the summer. It uses a special marinade that’s good for not just chicken but also pork, seafood, and tofu. It takes only 10 minutes to prep and cook, perfect for any night or weekend meal.

The marinade includes lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. These create flavors that feel like summer⁵.

This recipe is not just flavorful but also balanced, with 471 calories per serving. It’s easy to follow, whether you grill outside or cook inside. The chicken should soak in the marinade from 1 to 8 hours for best results⁵.

Leftovers can last for 4-5 days in the fridge, so it’s great for more meals.

This chicken is perfect for parties or a nice dinner outside⁷. It goes well with many different dishes. You can even freeze extra marinade for up to 3 months, making it easy for future meals⁵. Try this recipe for a taste of amazing summer flavors.

FAQ

What type of chicken cuts can I use for this recipe?

You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs as you like.

What are the main components of the marinade?

The marinade has olive oil, lemon juice, basil, parsley, and red pepper flake.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least one hour, but no more than twelve. This avoids changing the texture.

What are some alternative methods for cooking if I don’t have a grill?

Without a grill, use a skillet. Cook the marinated chicken in olive oil until golden-brown and done.

How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are oiled well. Grill spray or extra olive oil can help if it’s been sticky.

What internal temperature should the chicken reach to ensure it is cooked properly?

Cook the chicken until it reaches 160-165°F inside. This ensures it’s safe, juicy, and tender.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken?

Try Grilled Zucchini & Squash, Spicy Roasted Broccoli, or on a salad with greens. It’s also good with Blueberry Citrus Spinach Salad or Goat Cheese Strawberry Salad.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep any extra chicken in the fridge in an airtight container. It’s good for up to four days.

What is the best method for reheating leftovers to maintain moisture and flavor?

To keep the flavor, warm the chicken gently on the stovetop with low to medium-low heat. Or, the microwave for a quicker option.