This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a healthy and flavorful main dish to their summer dinner rotation.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe for Delicious Summer Dinners 16

It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a weekend barbecue with friends and family. Get ready to fire up the grill and enjoy one of the best summer chicken recipes around!

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, this recipe provides a straightforward path to delicious, juicy grilled chicken. The bright lemon and aromatic herbs infuse the chicken with a fresh, vibrant taste that perfectly complements the smoky char from the grill. It’s a healthy chicken grilling recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe is a true winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful without being overly complicated. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a medley of herbs creates a bright, zesty, and savory profile that appeals to a wide range of palates, even picky eaters. It’s a recipe that works beautifully for families, as the flavors are approachable and not too bold for younger taste buds.

It’s also a fantastic healthy option. Grilling chicken breasts is a lean cooking method that locks in moisture and flavor without adding excessive fats. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. You can feel good about serving this to your family and guests, knowing they’re getting a nutritious and satisfying dinner.

This recipe shines particularly during the warmer months, making it a perfect addition to any summer dinner on the grill. When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than cooking outdoors, and this chicken is designed for just that. It’s a superb main dish for any summer BBQ, backyard gathering, or even a simple weeknight meal when you want to enjoy the fresh air. The preparation is quick, and the cooking time is minimal, freeing you up to enjoy more time with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen. It truly embodies the spirit of easy, delicious summer eating.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a breeze, and most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh, vibrant flavors that come from just a few key components.

INGREDIENTS:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

When selecting your chicken breasts, aim for pieces that are relatively uniform in thickness. This helps them cook evenly on the grill, preventing some parts from drying out while others are still undercooked. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can pound them lightly to an even 3/4-inch thickness.

For the herbs, fresh is always best for maximum flavor, but if fresh rosemary and thyme aren’t available, you can substitute with dried herbs. As a general rule, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. So, for this recipe, you would use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme if fresh isn’t an option. However, the bright, pungent notes of fresh herbs truly elevate this dish. Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs you enjoy, such as marjoram or a touch of dill, though rosemary and thyme are classic companions to lemon and chicken.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

One of the best aspects of this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe is how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes (minimum) to 2 hours (recommended)
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on marinating time)

While the chicken technically only needs 30 minutes to marinate, allowing it to soak in the flavorful lemon herb mixture for closer to two hours will yield a more deeply infused and tender chicken. However, even with a shorter marinating time, you’ll still achieve a delicious result. The actual hands-on work is minimal, leaving you more time to enjoy your summer evening.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time.

Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better and promotes a nicer sear on the grill. If your chicken breasts are very thick, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even 3/4-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking.
Whisk Together the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. The marinade should look slightly emulsified, with the herbs evenly distributed throughout.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the prepared chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag. Pour the lemon herb marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. If using a dish, turn the chicken a few times to ensure even coverage. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 1-2 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken, making it tough.
Preheat Your Grill: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush to prevent sticking and ensure nice grill marks. Lightly oil the grates by dipping a paper towel in a little olive oil and carefully wiping it over the hot grates using tongs.
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. You’ll see beautiful char marks developing on the chicken as it cooks.
Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a clean cutting board or plate. Tent them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serve and Garnish: Slice the chicken against the grain or serve whole. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, for an extra pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your perfectly grilled Lemon Herb Chicken!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. It’s also very kid-friendly, especially if you slice it into strips for easy eating.

For a slightly different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick, or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried Italian seasoning can be a good substitute for the rosemary, thyme, and oregano, just remember to use a smaller quantity. You can also swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which tend to stay even juicier on the grill, though they might require a minute or two longer to cook.

When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. For a simple family dinner, pair this grilled chicken with a fresh green salad, steamed asparagus, or grilled corn on the cob. It’s also delicious alongside roasted potatoes or a light pasta salad.

For a party or buffet, slice the grilled chicken into strips and arrange it on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces like a creamy tzatziki, a tangy honey mustard, or a vibrant pesto. You can also use the sliced chicken to make delicious grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps with fresh veggies and a smear of hummus or avocado. Another great idea is to chop the chicken and toss it into a summer salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. It’s also fantastic for meal prep; simply grill a larger batch and use it throughout the week in salads, grain bowls, or quesadillas.

Common Slip-Ups

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe for Delicious Summer Dinners

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