Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - Olive oil, salt, and pepper - Mixing bowl - Grill - Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish To make lemon herb grilled chicken, you need fresh ingredients. Start with chicken breasts. They are lean and cook well on the grill. The zest and juice of lemons add bright flavor. Garlic gives a nice kick. When choosing herbs, use fresh ones for the best taste. Rosemary, thyme, and parsley work well together. Olive oil helps the chicken stay moist. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. For tools, gather a mixing bowl to mix your marinade. A grill is essential for cooking. Use a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish to marinate the chicken. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor. You can find the full recipe for lemon herb grilled chicken at the end of this article. To start, gather your ingredients. You need lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. I like to use rosemary, thyme, and parsley. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs. 2. Whisk in olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade. Now, let's marinate the chicken. 1. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. 2. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well covered. 3. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least one hour. For best results, marinate overnight. Grilling the chicken is the best part. 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, wait until the coals glow red. 2. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Let any excess drip off and discard the rest. 3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Look for nice grill marks. 4. Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Now you are ready to enjoy your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make your lemon herb grilled chicken burst with flavor, marinate it well. A good marinade helps the chicken absorb all the tasty herbs and lemon. Use a resealable bag or a shallow dish to coat the chicken evenly. For best results, let it sit for at least one hour. If you have time, overnight is even better. This longer marinating time helps the flavors soak in deeply. When grilling, aim for those perfect grill marks. Start with a clean grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and resist the urge to move it too soon. Let it cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side before flipping. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This way, you avoid overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender. Lemon herb grilled chicken pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or rice. These sides complement the bright flavors perfectly. For garnish, add fresh herbs or lemon wedges on the plate. This adds a nice touch and makes your dish look even more appealing. If you want to impress, drizzle some extra olive oil on top before serving. This simple step enhances the dish's flavor and beauty. {{image_2}} You can switch up the herbs in this recipe. Try using fresh basil or cilantro for a new taste. Each herb adds its own flair. You can also mix in spices like paprika or cumin for a spicy twist. These changes keep your meals exciting and full of flavor. If you have dietary needs, you can swap ingredients in the marinade. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of olive oil. You can also try yogurt or buttermilk as a base. These ingredients help make the chicken tender and juicy while adding a creamy texture. No grill? No problem! You can bake the chicken in an oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. For stovetop grilling, heat a grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Both methods yield tasty results. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your lemon herb grilled chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerating Leftovers: Let the chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. - Freezing Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: For longer storage, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, use these methods: - Best Methods: A stovetop skillet or oven works best. Avoid the microwave if you can. Microwaving can dry out the chicken. - Time and Temperature Guidelines: Heat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side. If using an oven, heat it at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warm. Understanding how long your chicken lasts is key: - Refrigerated Duration: Cooked chicken stays good for up to four days in the fridge. - Frozen Duration: If frozen, it can last for about three months without losing flavor. - Signs of Spoilage: Check for a strange smell, slimy texture, or discoloration. If you notice any of these, throw the chicken away. For the full recipe, refer back to the main sections of this article. Enjoy your cooking! You should marinate chicken for at least 1 hour. If you have time, go for 8 hours or overnight. This lets the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors from the marinade. The best internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. Cooking chicken to this temperature keeps it safe to eat. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier and have more flavor. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes per side. Make sure they also reach 165°F (75°C). Lemon herb grilled chicken pairs well with many sides. Try it with: - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa - A fresh salad - Grilled corn on the cob Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and keep it in the fridge. You can grill it later when you are ready to eat. This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any added sauces or marinades are gluten-free. Check labels to be sure. Enjoy your meal without worry! Lemon herb grilled chicken is simple and tasty. You learned to make a flavorful marinade and how to grill chicken perfectly. Remember to marinate long enough and check the internal temperature. Explore variations to keep meals exciting, and consider storage tips for leftovers. This dish pairs well with many sides, making it versatile. Enjoy the fresh flavors in your meals, and feel free to experiment with herbs and cooking methods. With practice, you’ll achieve great results every time. Happy cooking!$

Unlock the secret to flavorful meals with this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe! Marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for your next barbecue or weeknight dinner. Enjoy juicy chicken cooked to perfection on the grill, ready in just over an hour. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Zest of 2 lemons

Juice of 2 lemons

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined to create a marinade.

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing red before starting.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices in the chicken.

Serve the chicken warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 4