Grilled lemon chicken is a tasty dish where chicken marinated in zesty lemon juice is cooked until juicy and tender. It’s perfect for summer barbecues!
I love how the fresh lemon makes each bite refreshing. Pair it with a simple salad, and you’ve got dinner sorted—easy peasy! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe due to their quick cooking time and tenderness. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps carry the flavors. If you’re out of olive oil, feel free to use avocado oil or canola oil, which also have high smoke points for grilling.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemons are key here for brightness. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but it may lack the fresh zing. You could also try lime juice for a twist!
Garlic: Minced garlic provides a lovely depth. If you’re not a fan of fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used in a pinch — about 1/2 teaspoon per clove.
Oregano: Dried oregano is great for flavor, but fresh oregano can enhance the dish even more if you have it on hand. Just use about three times the amount of fresh compared to dried.
How Do I Grill Chicken Without It Sticking to the Grill?
Keeping chicken from sticking is a common challenge. Here’s how to ensure a clean grilling experience:
- Before placing the chicken on the grill, preheat it to medium-high. A hot grill helps create those nice sear marks.
- Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil. You can use tongs to hold the towel to avoid burns.
- Let the chicken sear properly before flipping it. If it sticks, it might not be ready to turn yet. Wait for it to release from the grill naturally.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) without overcooking, which can also contribute to sticking.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes for marinating and approximately 15 minutes for grilling. In total, set aside about 45 minutes to enjoy delicious grilled lemon chicken, plus you might want a couple of hours if you can let the chicken marinate longer for extra flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, add the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. This will be your delicious marinade that flavors the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for 2-4 hours to soak up even more flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfectly grilled look and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top and enjoy it with lemon wedges on the side. Your tasty grilled lemon chicken is ready to impress!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even bone-in pieces. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary; bone-in pieces may take longer to cook, so always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No problem! You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice, but use a little less—about 3 tablespoons should do. Keep in mind that fresh lemons provide a brighter flavor, so if you can, try to use fresh whenever possible!
How Can I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold in salads or sandwiches, or reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to keep them juicy.
Can I Make This Marinade Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms for a delicious plant-based version. Just marinate them the same way and follow the grilling instructions, adjusting cooking times as needed for your chosen substitute!
