Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
A flavorful and easy Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe that uses a simple marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs to tenderize and infuse the chicken breasts with vibrant flavors. Perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal with a bright, zesty twist, this recipe offers two cooking methods: grilling for a smoky char and stovetop sauté for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, trimmed
Marinade
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag along with all marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Seal the bag tightly after squeezing out excess air.
- Marinate the Chicken: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Choose Cooking Method: Decide if you want to grill the chicken for a smoky flavor or sauté it on the stove for convenience. Both methods yield delicious results.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken breasts or thighs from the marinade bag and place them on the hot grill. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Adjust cooking time if using bone-in chicken.
- Sauté on the Stove: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for about 5 minutes on one side until sizzling and browned. Flip and cook an additional 5 minutes until chicken is firm and cooked through, with juices running clear. Cooking time may increase with bone-in chicken.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour but no longer than 12 hours to avoid overpowering the meat with acidity.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- Bone-in chicken may require additional cooking time; adjust accordingly.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
- For extra flavor, baste the chicken with reserved marinade during grilling but do not reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken unless boiled.
