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Fresh Grilled Chicken Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Herb Marinade

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A quick and easy grilled chicken recipe featuring a bright and flavorful lemon herb marinade, perfect for outdoor gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Juice of 2 medium lemons (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
  3. Preheat your grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F / 204°C). If using charcoal, prepare a two-zone fire with coals piled to one side for indirect cooking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on the hottest part of the grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, flipping once. Use tongs to avoid piercing the meat.
  5. Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C). If not, move chicken to indirect heat and cover grill for a few minutes.
  6. Rest the chicken: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Serve: Slice and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and extra herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to help marinade stick better. Avoid overcrowding the grill for even cooking. Oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Marinate between 30 minutes and 2 hours for best flavor and texture. Marinating overnight is possible but do not exceed 24 hours to avoid mushy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb marinade, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling, backyard barbecue, healthy chicken, quick dinner

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