Description
This Zesty Grilled Lemon Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. It’s a quick and healthy dish packed with bright citrus notes and aromatic spices, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 large lemons (zested and juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight if possible.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill grates with a bit of olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on the preheated grill.
- Cook Thoroughly: Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and grill marks form, indicating a nice char.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from heat and let rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender, juicy breast.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the grilled chicken and serve with lemon wedges for an extra citrus burst.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the lemon and garlic flavors deeply.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well as an alternative.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling keeps it moist and tender.
- Adjust the paprika quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
