Description
This grilled lemon pepper chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Perfectly grilled over medium-high heat, this flavorful dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 large cloves garlic, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or to taste
- 2 (10 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, stir together lemon juice, grated garlic, canola oil, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard until well combined. This mixture will infuse the chicken with bright, aromatic flavors.
- Prick and Marinate Chicken: Using a fork, prick each chicken breast 8 to 10 times all over to help the marinade penetrate more deeply. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken with your hands. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the oiled grill grates. Grill covered for 10 to 12 minutes on each side until the chicken is lightly charred, the interior is no longer pink, and juices run clear. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a serving platter and accompany with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over for extra brightness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pricking the chicken helps the marinade penetrate, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated and oiled to avoid sticking and achieve nice grill marks.
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour; longer marinating can intensify flavor but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent meat texture changes.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled vegetables, rice, or fresh salads for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
