Description
A zesty and flavorful grilled lemon chicken recipe featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a bright mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection and served with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, this dish is a vibrant and healthy option for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If some parts of the chicken breasts are thicker than others, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a bowl or resealable freezer bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, pressed garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on one side without moving to develop grill marks and ensure even cooking. Using tongs, flip the chicken and grill the other side for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top and serve with fresh lemon wedges and your choice of vegetables or sides.
Notes
- Marinating chicken for longer than 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, will deepen the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internal temperature.
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or using charcoal grilling.
- If you don't have a grill or grill pan, chicken can be cooked on a stovetop skillet using similar times.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after grilling to retain its juices before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
