Name: Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491522H24M12S
Total time: PT-491522H24M12S
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 pounds total); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon); 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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This easy grilled lemon herb chicken recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, delivering incredible flavor without a lot of fuss.

Easy Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Dinner Recipe 16

It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want a healthy, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. The bright, zesty lemon combined with aromatic herbs creates a truly delicious chicken that’s both light and fulfilling.

If you’re looking for a clean-eating option that doesn’t compromise on taste, this grilled chicken with lemon wedges is about to become your new go-to. It’s simple to prepare, packed with goodness, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how you can bring this fantastic dish to your table.

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 And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This grilled lemon herb chicken recipe is a true winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile and fits seamlessly into almost any meal plan, whether you’re focusing on clean eating, high protein, or just want a delicious dinner. It’s perfect for busy parents who need a fast, healthy option after a long day, or for anyone looking to add more lean protein to their diet. The flavors are bright and appealing, making it a great choice for picky eaters, too. You can serve it as a main course with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even sliced over a bed of quinoa. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping, as the chicken holds its flavor wonderfully when stored. This recipe shines during warmer months when grilling is a joy, but it can easily be adapted for indoor cooking, making it a year-round favorite.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, focusing on fresh, flavorful components that are easy to find at any grocery store. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, proving that you don’t need a long list of exotic items to create something truly delicious and healthy.

INGREDIENTS:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 pounds total)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For simple substitutions, feel free to swap dried herbs for fresh ones if you have them on hand; just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. For example, 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped oregano instead of 1 tablespoon dried. If you don’t have oregano or thyme, a good quality Italian seasoning blend can work in a pinch. You can also experiment with other dried herbs like rosemary or marjoram to customize the flavor profile to your liking. For a slightly spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the marinade.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is genuinely quick, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. The total active time is minimal, allowing you to get a flavorful, healthy meal on the table without feeling rushed.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 20-30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor)
Cook time: 12-16 minutes
Total time: Approximately 42-56 minutes (including minimum marinating time)

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious grilled lemon herb chicken is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time.

Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your 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, you might want to pound them lightly to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) to ensure they cook uniformly.
Whisk the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and emulsified. You’ll see the oil and lemon juice come together into a slightly thicker, fragrant mixture.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the prepared chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade, or place them in a large resealable plastic bag. Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the herb and lemon mixture. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours, but avoid marinating for much longer due to the acidity of the lemon juice, which can start to “cook” the chicken.
Preheat the Grill: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush and then lightly oil them to prevent sticking. A good visual cue is when you can hold your hand about 5 inches above the grates for only 4-5 seconds.
Grill the Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot, oiled grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 6-8 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 chicken. You should see nice grill marks forming on each side.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a clean cutting board or platter. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Slice the chicken against the grain, if desired, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for an extra squeeze of brightness and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This grilled lemon herb chicken is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can slice the cooked chicken into strips and serve it with their favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch. The mild, citrusy flavor is generally well-received by children.

If you’re looking to change up the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade for a subtle smoky depth, or a touch of dried rosemary for a more earthy, piney note. For a spicier kick, a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can be included. You can also make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked; just adjust grilling time as needed.

When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. This chicken pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or grilled corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside quinoa, brown rice, or even a light pasta salad. It’s also fantastic for meal prep: grill a larger batch and use the leftover chicken throughout the week in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even chopped into a quick stir-fry. For a buffet or party, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help ensure your grilled lemon herb chicken turns out perfectly every time.

One frequent mistake is over-marinating the chicken. While a good marinade adds flavor, the acidity from the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken if left too long, resulting in a slightly rubbery texture. Aim for 20 minutes to 2 hours of marinating time, but no more than 4 hours.

Another common issue is not preheating the grill properly. If the grill isn’t hot enough, the chicken will stick to the grates and won’t develop those desirable grill marks or a nice sear. Always give your grill at least 10-15 minutes to reach temperature before placing the chicken on it.

Overcooking the chicken is perhaps the most common mistake. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can dry out quickly. To avoid this, use an instant-read meat thermometer and pull the chicken off the grill as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember that the temperature will rise slightly as it rests.

Finally, skipping the resting step can lead to dry chicken. When meat cooks, its juices concentrate in the center. Resting allows these juices to redistribute throughout the entire piece of chicken, making it much juicier and more tender. Always allow at least 5-10 minutes of resting time after grilling.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This grilled lemon herb chicken is excellent for meal prep and stores wonderfully, making your weeknights even easier.

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.