The smell of tender, juicy chicken mixed with lemon and herbs is amazing. As the sun goes down and the grill gets hot, I’m excited to share this GRILLED LEMON HERB CHICKEN recipe. It’s perfect for a backyard BBQ or a healthy dinner any night of the week.
Key Takeaways
- Tender, juicy grilled chicken bursting with fresh, citrusy flavors
- Simple lemon marinade infuses the chicken with bright, aromatic notes
- Versatile recipe that can be made with various cuts of chicken
- Low-carb and healthy option for summer grilling and weeknight dinners
- Endless possibilities for serving with grilled vegetables or fresh salads
Table of Contents
Flavorful Lemon Marinade for Tender Grilled Chicken
The secret to the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken’s amazing taste is the lemon marinade. This mix of ingredients gives the chicken a tangy, aromatic flavor. It also makes the meat tender and adds fresh lemon and herb notes.
Key Marinade Ingredients
The marinade has a few important parts:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dried basil
- Dried parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Simple Marinating Process
To get the most out of this lemon chicken marinade, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. For even more flavor, marinate it for up to 12 hours. This process tenderizes the marinating chicken and makes it taste like it’s from a restaurant.
“The secret to the best grilled chicken is all in the marinade. This lemon herb mixture is a game-changer!”
Easy Grilling Techniques for Juicy Chicken
Grilling grilled chicken to perfection is an art. But with a few simple techniques, you can get juicy, flavorful results every time. Start with a well-marinated chicken and follow some easy steps to ensure it cooks evenly and stays moist.
First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This creates the perfect sear on the outside of the grilling chicken. When placing the marinated chicken on the grates, don’t move it too much. Let it sear for 5-7 minutes on each side to develop a nice char and prevent sticking.
Another key technique is to grill the chicken over direct heat. This means placing the chicken directly over the heat source, not using indirect heat. Grilling over direct heat gives you a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Avoid moving the grilled chicken too much on the grates, allowing it to sear for 5-7 minutes on each side.
- Grill the chicken over direct heat for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
By following these simple grilled chicken techniques, you’ll get perfectly cooked, moist grilled chicken every time. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying summer meal.
GRILLED LEMON HERB CHICKEN: A Summer Favorite
When the sun shines bright and the grill is ready, nothing beats grilled lemon herb chicken. It’s a light dish that combines citrus and herbs perfectly. It’s ideal for summer grilling and outdoor parties.
Light and Fresh Flavors
The magic of this citrus grilled chicken is in its zesty lemon marinade. It gives the meat a tangy taste. The herbs add a complex flavor, making each bite full of taste. Grilling seals in the juices, making the chicken tender and juicy.
Pair this grilled lemon herb chicken with your favorite summer veggies or a cool salad. It’s a complete, healthy meal. The light and fresh flavors are perfect for warm weather, enhancing the season’s fresh foods.
| Nutrition Facts | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 207 kcal |
| Protein | 37g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 109mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Potassium | 680mg |
| Vitamin A | 58IU |
| Vitamin C | 17mg |
| Calcium | 22mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Make this grilled lemon herb chicken the star of your summer grilling menu. Enjoy its bright, refreshing taste that embodies the summer spirit.
Versatile Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. You can grill the chicken ahead of time. Then, store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
It’s great for adding to salads, wraps, or as a main dish. The lemon and herb flavors are refreshing. They make the chicken a tasty topping for summer salads or a protein boost in grain bowls.
The Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a great choice for meal prep. It’s easy to make and you can enjoy it all week. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop for a delicious meal.
Nutritious and Healthy Grilled Chicken Option
Choosing healthy grilled chicken as your main dish is a smart move. It brings lean protein and tasty flavors to your meals. The Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe in this article is a perfect example of a healthy choice.
This grilled chicken dish is packed with nutrients. A single serving has 127 calories, 3g fat, 63mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), and 23g protein. It’s a great way to get more lean protein without losing flavor or health benefits.
The lemon and herb marinade makes the chicken taste amazing without extra sauces or breading. This keeps the dish light and low in calories. Grilling the chicken also means no extra oils or fats, making it even healthier.
“Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a great choice for those looking to incorporate more lean protein and vibrant flavors into their meals while maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.”
This healthy grilled chicken recipe is also very flexible. You can serve it as the main protein or add it to salads, wraps, or bowls. It’s a quick and healthy option for lunch or dinner.
If you want to add more nutritious chicken recipes to your collection, or just want a delicious and healthy main dish, try the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. It will make you feel full and energized.
Citrusy Lemon Chicken Marinade Secrets
The secret to a great lemon flavor in your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is the marinade. Use lots of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. This will make your chicken taste bright and citrusy.
The longer you marinate the chicken, the stronger the lemon flavor will be. The best results come from marinating it for 1-12 hours.
Getting the Most Lemon Flavor
To get the most lemon flavor in your chicken marinade, follow these tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled. The fresh juice has a more vibrant, tart flavor.
- Grate the lemon zest directly into the marinade. This will release the essential oils and provide an extra burst of lemon aroma.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 12 hours for the best lemon flavor penetration.
- The olive oil in the marinade also helps to tenderize the chicken and prevent it from drying out during the grilling process.
With these simple tricks, you can create a lemon chicken marinade that will leave your guests raving about the bright, citrusy flavors in your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken.
Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time
To get perfectly grilled chicken, follow a few key steps. First, heat your grill to medium and brush the grates with oil. This stops the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken on the grill and don’t move it too much.
Let the chicken sear for 5-7 minutes on each side. This creates a nice char and keeps the juices in. To check if it’s done, look for clear juices and a firm, but not dry, texture.
These simple grilled chicken techniques and tips for grilling chicken will make your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken juicy and flavorful every time.
- Preheat grill to medium heat (350-400°F).
- Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken on the grill and avoid moving it too much.
- Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side to achieve a nice char.
- Check for doneness by looking for clear juices and a firm, but not dry, texture.
| Technique | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Preheat grill to medium heat | Ensures even cooking and searing of the chicken |
| Brush grill grates with oil | Prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill |
| Avoid moving the chicken too much | Allows the chicken to sear and develop a nice char |
| Check for doneness using clear juices and texture | Ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying it out |
By using these tips for grilling chicken and grilled chicken techniques, you’ll get juicy grilled chicken every time. Your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken will be a summer hit.
Herb Marinated Chicken for Outdoor Cooking
Take your outdoor grilling to the next level with herb marinated chicken. This dish combines bright lemon flavors with aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for any outdoor meal, from backyard barbecues to casual alfresco dinners.
The marinade is the secret to this chicken’s taste. It’s made with lemon juice, zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. This mix makes the chicken tender and full of flavor.
Preparing the marinade takes just 5 minutes. Then, the chicken soaks in it for 2-3 hours or overnight. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
When it’s time to grill, the chicken cooks fast. Smaller breasts take 5 minutes per side, while bigger ones need 10-12 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
This chicken is not only tasty but also healthy. It’s packed with protein and low in calories and carbs. It’s great for any summer meal or gathering.
Looking to wow at a barbecue or just want a tasty dinner? The herb marinated chicken is a summer hit. It’s easy to make and loved by all.
Easy Chicken Dinner for Busy Weeknights
Weeknight dinners need to be quick and tasty. This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe is perfect. It’s ready in under an hour, great for busy nights.
The marinade can be made ahead of time. This makes cooking on hectic nights easier. Serve it with roasted veggies or a salad for a complete meal.
This recipe makes 4 servings and is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s great for quick chicken recipes on weeknight chicken meals. The chicken breasts are sliced in half to cook evenly and fast.
People love this easy chicken dinner. It has a 5 out of 5 stars rating from 3 reviews. The chicken and lemony rice make a tasty, one-pan meal.
“This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The marinade adds so much flavor, and it comes together in no time. Highly recommend!”
To make this easy chicken dinner, you need a few ingredients. These include chicken, olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs. The marinade is quick, and the chicken grills fast.
Pair it with your favorite sides for a full weeknight chicken meal. This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is easy to prepare and cooks quickly. It’s a great choice for weeknights.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Variation
Try a lemon pepper twist on the classic Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This version keeps the bright citrus flavor but adds a peppery kick. Just swap the dried herbs in the marinade with lemon pepper seasoning.
The lemon pepper seasoning works just like the herbs, making a chicken full of bold, peppery taste. This recipe serves 4 people. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, up to 12 hours, for the best flavor.
Grill the lemon pepper chicken for 4-10 minutes on each side. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be fully cooked. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. It’s great for quick meals during the week.
Lemon Pepper Chicken Seasoning Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these lemon pepper chicken seasoning variations:
- Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken: Add honey to the marinade for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Spicy Lemon Pepper Chicken: Use more black pepper or add cayenne for a spicy taste.
- Herb-Marinated Lemon Pepper Chicken: Mix lemon pepper seasoning with fresh or dried herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary.
The recipe’s beauty is in its flexibility. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to create your ideal lemon pepper chicken.
Conclusion
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a tasty and flexible summer dish. It highlights the bright, fresh tastes of lemon and herbs. The simple marinade gives the chicken a tangy, aromatic flavor.
Grilling it makes the chicken juicy inside and crispy outside. This grilled chicken recipes is loved by many. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals or outdoor parties.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken can be the main dish or part of summer chicken recipes and grain bowls. It’s a healthy and tasty choice that will be a hit with your family. The citrusy flavor and tender texture make it a great summer dish.
So, get ready to grill, marinate your chicken, and enjoy the refreshing taste of Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. This recipe is a healthy and versatile option. It will make your summer meals unforgettable.