Easy Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Herbs Recipe

Easy Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Herbs is a delightful dish that combines the smoky flavors of grilling with the bright and zesty notes of lemon and the aromatic richness of herbs.

Introduction

This recipe is perfect for a casual backyard barbecue or a family dinner, offering a mouthwatering experience that is both healthy and satisfying. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a succulent and flavorful grilled chicken that will surely become a favorite in your household.

Easy Grilled Chicken Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons lemon zest

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped thyme, rosemary, and parsley. This vibrant marinade will infuse the chicken with a harmonious blend of citrusy and herby flavors.

Marinate the Chicken

Transfer the chicken breasts to a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks on the chicken.

Remove Chicken from Marinade

Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about fifteen minutes. This process helps the grill to cook food evenly. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any extra run off.

Season with Salt and Pepper

Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. This simple addition enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The thickness of the chicken breasts can affect how long they take to cook exactly.

Baste with Reserved Marinade

During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with some of the reserved marinade using a brush. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.

Check for Doneness

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked through. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), remove the chicken from the grill.

Rest and Serve

Before slicing, give the grilled chicken a few minutes to rest. By doing this, the meat’s natural juices can redistribute and maintain their tenderness. For an additional citrus flavour boost, present the grilled chicken with lemon wedges on the side.

Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish the grilled chicken with additional chopped herbs for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or fluffy couscous.

Additional Tips and Variations

Also Read: Pickle Jar Chicken Recipe: How to Make Pickle Jar Chicken at home easily

Grilled Veggie Medley

Enhance your meal by grilling a colorful medley of vegetables alongside the chicken. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.

Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Elevate the dish with a simple lemon herb butter sauce. Melt butter in a pan, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and stir in chopped herbs like parsley and thyme. Drizzle this luscious sauce over the grilled chicken before serving.

Charcoal Grilling

For an authentic smoky flavor, consider using a charcoal grill. The natural wood flavors will impart a unique depth to the grilled chicken. Soak wood chips in water and add them to the charcoal for an extra smoky kick.

Marinating Overnight

Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for the entire night for an even stronger flavour. This extended marinating time allows the chicken to absorb the herbs and citrus flavors fully.

Grilled Lemon Halves

Grill lemon halves alongside the chicken for a smoky, caramelized flavor. Squeeze the grilled lemon over the chicken just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.

Cilantro-Lime Variation

Experiment with different herb and citrus combinations. Swap out the thyme and rosemary for cilantro and replace the lemon with lime for a zesty cilantro-lime grilled chicken.

Brining for Moisture

If you have time, consider brining the chicken before marinating. A simple brine of water, salt, and sugar helps the chicken retain moisture during grilling, resulting in a juicier end product.

Grilled Potato Wedges

Serve the grilled chicken with a side of crispy potato wedges. Coat potato wedges in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Grill until golden brown and tender.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Add a touch of sweetness with grilled corn on the cob. Brush corn with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until the kernels are charred and caramelized.

Pita Bread or Flatbreads

For a casual and fun twist, serve the grilled chicken in pita bread or flatbreads. Add some yogurt sauce, fresh tomatoes, and cucumbers for a delightful grilled chicken wrap.

Also Read: Chicken Pulimunchi Recipe: How to Make Chicken Pulimunchi Recipe Very Easily

Wine Pairing

Pair this dish with a crisp and refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The citrusy notes in the wine will complement the lemon-infused chicken.

Leftover Ideas

Transform leftovers into a salad by slicing the grilled chicken and tossing it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.

Herb-infused Grilled Potatoes

Accompany your grilled chicken with herb-infused grilled potatoes. Parboil small potatoes, toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a mixture of chopped rosemary and thyme. Grill until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Lemon-Herb Marinade for Vegetables

If you have vegetarian guests, use the same lemon-herb marinade for a variety of vegetables like portobello mushrooms, eggplant, and asparagus. Grill them until they are tender and slightly charred for a tasty meatless option.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Prepare a refreshing grilled pineapple salsa to serve alongside the chicken. Grill pineapple slices until they have beautiful grill marks, then dice and mix with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice.

Honey Glaze Finish

Brushing the chicken with a honey glaze during the final minutes of grilling adds a sweet and sticky finish. Combine honey, a touch of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a glaze that balances sweetness with a hint of heat.

Smoked Paprika Marinade

Infuse a smoky flavor by adding smoked paprika to the marinade. This spice adds depth and complexity to the dish, creating a delightful balance with the brightness of lemon and the freshness of herbs.

Grilled Halloumi Cheese

For a unique twist, grill slices of halloumi cheese alongside the chicken. The smoky grill marks on the cheese add a savory element that pairs wonderfully with the citrusy chicken.

Quinoa Salad with Herbs

Serve the grilled chicken on a bed of quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese. The nutty flavor of quinoa complements the grilled chicken beautifully.

Bruschetta Topping

Turn the grilled chicken into a Mediterranean-inspired dish by topping it with a homemade bruschetta mixture. Combine diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil for a burst of freshness.

Grilled Lemonade

Extend the lemon theme by grilling lemon halves and using the juice to make a refreshing grilled lemonade. Mix the grilled lemon juice with water, sugar, and mint for a cooling beverage to accompany your meal.

Citrus-infused Dessert

Round off your meal with a light and citrusy dessert. Grill slices of pound cake or angel food cake and serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of lemon curd.

Mediterranean Platter

Create a Mediterranean-inspired platter by serving the grilled chicken with hummus, olives, tzatziki, and warm pita bread. Enjoying this interactive dining experience with friends and family is highly recommended.

Fresh Herb Pesto

Instead of marinating the chicken, serve it with a dollop of fresh herb pesto. Blend together basil, parsley, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil for a vibrant and aromatic pesto.

Note

Experiment with these additional ideas to tailor the Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Herbs to your preferences and create a memorable dining experience for your guests. Enjoy the versatility and deliciousness of this classic grilled dish!

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Herbs is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the best of summer flavors. The succulent chicken, infused with the bright and aromatic marinade, creates a dish that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with taste. This recipe is sure to become a go-to for your outdoor gatherings or family dinners, providing a delicious and healthy option that everyone will enjoy. So fire up the grill, savor the aromas, and relish in the joy of creating a memorable meal with Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Herbs.

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