🍋🌿 Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes – 8 hours
Cook Time: 12–16 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
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½ teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice and zest
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Garlic
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Oregano, thyme, rosemary
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Salt, pepper, and paprika
2. Marinate the Chicken
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Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
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Pour marinade over chicken and coat evenly.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for best flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill
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Heat grill to medium-high (375–400°F / 190–205°C).
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Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken
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Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
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Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, flipping once.
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Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and Serve
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Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
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Grilled vegetables
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Rice pilaf or quinoa
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Fresh green salad
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Roasted potatoes or flatbread
❓ Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Q & A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and grill well. Cook for 1–2 minutes longer per side.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: Minimum 30 minutes, ideal 2–4 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours due to the lemon juice.
Q: Can I cook this without a grill?
A: Absolutely.
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Stovetop: Grill pan, medium-high heat, 6–7 minutes per side.
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Oven: Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Q: How do I keep grilled chicken from drying out?
A:
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Don’t overcook (use a thermometer).
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Marinate properly.
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Let it rest before slicing.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes!
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Marinate up to 1 day ahead.
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Cooked chicken keeps 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: Yes. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and uses healthy fats from olive oil.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken?
A:
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Before cooking: Freeze in marinade for up to 3 months.
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After cooking: Freeze for up to 2 months.