Description
This Zesty Grilled Lemon Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers bright, fresh flavors with a delightful charred finish, perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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 thoroughly to blend all the ingredients evenly.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill grates with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and grill marks appear.
- Rest the chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy texture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve the chicken with lemon wedges on the side to add an extra zesty citrus burst.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to overnight) will intensify the lemon flavor and tenderize the meat.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- This recipe pairs well with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning like salt and paprika according to your taste preference.
