1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!