This Easy Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken is perfect for a quick and tasty meal. With zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, it brings a fresh flavor to your dinner plate!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up. Just marinate the chicken, toss it on the grill, and enjoy a juicy masterpiece. Bonus points for easy cleanup! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breast is the star here for quick cooking, but thighs work well too. They’re juicier and won’t dry out as quickly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets can also be used.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil are great substitutes—just keep an eye on the smoke point while grilling.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. You can replace it with garlic powder in a pinch, using about 1 teaspoon, but fresh really elevates the dish. Keep garlic cloves whole or slightly crushed if you prefer a milder taste in the marinade.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness. If you’re out of lemons, vinegar (like white wine or apple cider) works as a substitute—just use about half the amount. But nothing beats fresh for flavor!
Parsley: Fresh parsley is my go-to for color and freshness. If you’re not a fan, swap it out for cilantro or basil. Dried herbs can be used, but remember that they are less potent, so adjust the amount accordingly.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks and Juicy Chicken?
Achieving beautiful grill marks and juicy chicken is all about preparation and temperature control.
- Make sure your grill is really hot—medium-high heat is perfect. Preheat for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Give your chicken space; this helps with even cooking and developing grill marks.
- Once you place the chicken on the grill, resist the urge to move it around. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes before flipping—this allows those nice grill marks to form.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) so it’s safe to eat while staying juicy.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Happy grilling! Enjoy your delicious lemon garlic chicken! 🍋🍗
How to Make Easy Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Fresh parsley or chopped herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 10 minutes for prep, plus an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating, depending on how much flavor you want. Cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So in total, you can expect to have this flavorful dish ready in around 50 minutes to 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Marinade:
Start by mixing together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a kick). Stir everything together until well combined to create a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each breast is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent the chicken from sticking, give the grill grates a light oiling with a paper towel dipped in oil.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the marinated chicken out of the bag or dish, shaking off any excess marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on one side until you see nice grill marks, then flip and grill the other side for another 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
5. Let It Rest:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This rest time helps keep the juices inside, so your chicken stays juicy and tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some additional chopped herbs or drizzle some more lemon juice over the chicken before serving. This dish goes perfectly with sides like grilled corn or a fresh salad. Enjoy your feast!
Bon appétit! Your flavorful, juicy lemon garlic chicken breasts are ready to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quick to cook, but bone-in pieces will work too. Just be aware that they may take longer to cook—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as well.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use other oils like avocado oil or canola oil without sacrificing too much flavor. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point for grilling!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! In fact, marinating the chicken overnight allows it to absorb even more flavor. Just be careful not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the lemon can start to break down the chicken, affecting the texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying it out. Enjoy cold in salads too!
