Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Looking for yummy grilled chicken recipes? This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is quick, tangy, and bursting with flavour! Perfect for BBQs. Get the recipe!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that summer bbq flavor, even when it's raining cats and dogs? these grilled chicken recipes are the perfect solution.

Honestly, the lemon herb marinade in this recipe is absolutely amazing. it's like sunshine in every bite!

Brief Overview

Lemon herb grilled chicken originates from the mediterranean, where fresh flavors reign supreme. this yummy chicken marinade recipe is easy to master, taking only an hour, including marinating time.

It feeds four hungry people.

Main Benefits

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, so this recipe is healthy and delicious. it's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout with friends.

What makes this recipe special? the tangy chicken marinade brings ordinary chicken to life. trust me, you won't want it any other way!

Marinate Like a Boss!

Looking for the ultimate chicken marinade ? here's a story: i once forgot to marinate chicken until the last minute .

I ended up throwing together a fast marinade for chicken with lemon juice, herbs, and garlic. it was surprisingly delicious.

Now, it's my go-to quick marinade for chicken on the grill .

Good Chicken Marinade For Grilling Tips

Alright, here are some tips to make sure your grilled chicken recipes are a success. for best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Don't go overboard; too much time in the marinade can make the chicken a bit mushy.

What You'll Need:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Ready to try some of the best grilled chicken marinade recipes ?

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty! we're about to make some lemon herb grilled chicken , and honestly, it's so easy even a bloke who can barely boil water could nail it.

Let's talk ingredients and equipment.

Ingredients & Equipment for Glorious Grilled Chicken

This isn't rocket science. we're aiming for a yummy chicken marinade that'll make your taste buds sing. seriously, i've tried so many marinade recipes for chicken and this simple lemon herb one is a winner.

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need. I’m talking precise measurements! Don’t go rogue on me!

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Use decent stuff, you know? Extra virgin olive oil, nothing too fancy.
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) , freshly squeezed. About 1-2 lemons . Honestly, bottled lemon juice just doesn't cut it. Fresh is always better.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. About 2 teaspoons . Jarred minced garlic is fine in a pinch, but fresh is where it's at.
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley – go wild! A combo is great.
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon . Adds that extra zing!
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon . For a little kick!
• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces/170-225g each) OR 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs . I prefer breasts, quicker cook time.

For the chicken, look for plump, pink chicken. No weird smells or discoloration, alright? We want fresh chicken.

Seasoning Notes

Forget bland chicken! This is where the magic happens. I call it my Good Chicken Marinade For Grilling .

• Essential Spice Combinations: Lemon + garlic + herbs. It's classic. It's the Ultimate Chicken Marinade .
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Don't be afraid to add a bit of Dijon mustard to the marinade. It's that Amazing Chicken Marinade ! Adds a nice tang.
• Quick Substitution Options: No fresh herbs? Dried herbs work, too! Just use about 1 teaspoon total. Fast Marinade For Chicken !

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

• Grill (gas or charcoal). Whatever you got!
• Grill brush. Gotta keep that thing clean.
• Mixing bowl. For the marinade.
• Whisk. Get those ingredients mixed!
• Resealable plastic bag or glass container. For marinating the chicken.
• Meat thermometer. ESSENTIAL . Chicken needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) .

Don’t have a fancy grill? a grill pan on the stovetop works. or even the oven! i've done it all, man! honestly, this tangy chicken marinade is going to be a winner.

Plus, the best grilled chicken marinade recipes are always the easiest, right? let's get cooking!

Alright, let's talk grilled chicken recipes ! I'm gonna share my go-to method for Lemon Herb Chicken. Honestly, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up, and that's saying something.

Lemon Herb Chicken: Your New BBQ Staple

This grilled chicken recipes isn't just another boring chicken dish. it's packed with flavour, thanks to a yummy chicken marinade .

Seriously, this is the kind of recipe where people ask for seconds (and the recipe!). it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend bbq.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First, essential mise en place . Gotta get organised! Roughly 15 minutes active prep.

• Mix your ultimate chicken marinade . This includes 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (I like to use Meyer lemons!), 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, the works!), 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Red pepper flakes are optional!
• Time-saving tip: Mince the garlic and chop the herbs while the grill is preheating.
• Safety reminder: Wash your hands after handling raw chicken, you know?

Grill Time: Easy Steps to Deliciousness

Here's how to get that perfect grilled chicken.

1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2. Put 4 chicken breasts in a bag, then pour that amazing chicken marinade all over them.
3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge). For a fast marinade for chicken , 30 mins will do, but longer is better for the flavours to really meld.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375- 400° F) . Scrape it clean!
5. Grill the chicken for 5- 7 minutes per side (for breasts), until the internal temperature hits 165° F . Use a meat thermometer, seriously.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Grill Game

• Don't over-marinate! More than 4 hours can make the chicken mushy.
• If you forget to pull the chicken out in time, a quick marinade for chicken on the grill works, but the flavour won't be quite as intense.
• Avoid the biggest mistake: Overcooking! 165° F is key.

Honestly, one time i forgot all about it, and it was like rubber. learn from my mistakes, people! a good chicken marinade for grilling makes all the difference.

And this lemon herb one is pure sunshine on a plate. if you're looking for best grilled chicken marinade recipes , start right here.

So get out there, fire up that grill, and enjoy some seriously tasty chicken. You deserve it! And hey, maybe try it with Tzatziki Sauce, a pint of real ale and Grilled Asparagus - it’s a little bit of me on a plate!

Alright, let's dive into some extra tidbits for this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe ! Think of these as your back-pocket secrets to making this dish even better .

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, presentation matters, right? honestly, just slapping the chicken on a plate? nah! for a fancy touch, fan out slices of the grilled chicken on a bed of arugula.

Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. garnish with some lemon wedges and fresh herbs. bam! restaurant-worthy. a simple side of grilled asparagus or a vibrant quinoa salad really completes the meal.

And a dollop of tzatziki? oh my gosh, so good! it adds coolness and creaminess that just balances everything out.

And seriously, a cold beer with this? perfect backyard bbq vibes.

Storage Savvy: Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers? score! this yummy chicken marinade flavor infuses it even more overnight. just make sure you get the chicken into an airtight container.

Pop it in the fridge within two hours. it'll be good for about 3-4 days. wanna freeze it? you totally can! wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then put them all in a freezer bag.

It'll last for up to 2-3 months. when you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. reheating? i prefer a quick pan-fry to keep it juicy.

A microwave works in a pinch, but watch out for dryness.

Variations: Your Chicken, Your Way

Want to mix things up? first, a quick marinade for chicken on the grill with a dietary twist. need it gluten-free? just double-check your herbs and spices.

Also, make sure they are 100% gluten-free. for a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a big salad instead of grains.

For seasonal swaps, use whatever fresh herbs are rockin' in your garden. in the summer, basil and oregano are amazing.

In the fall, try rosemary and sage. for a tangy chicken marinade , try adding a splash of red wine vinegar along with lemon juice.

Nutrition Nugget: Health Boost

This grilled chicken recipes is packed with lean protein. it’s essential for building muscle and keeping you full. lemon and herbs add antioxidants and vitamins.

It's good for you and tastes amazing. a win-win!

So, go on, fire up that grill and whip up some lemon herb grilled chicken . don't be afraid to experiment with the marinade and sides.

You'll find your favorite way to make it. get out there and give some good chicken marinade for grilling now! i know you will love this amazing chicken marinade .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken for these grilled chicken recipes? Is there such a thing as too long?

Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate. However, for the best results, aim for 2-4 hours. You don't want to over-marinate, though! Leaving it much longer than 4 hours, especially with the lemon juice, can cause the chicken to become mushy, a bit like soggy bottom on Bake Off.

What's the best way to tell if my grilled chicken is cooked properly and safe to eat?

The safest and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch any bone. For chicken breasts, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you're grilling thighs, go for 175°F (79°C) – slightly higher to account for the bone and ensure they're succulent. Remember, nobody wants chicken drier than the Sahara, eh?

Can I use different herbs for the marinade in this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe? What substitutions can I make?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your herbs. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, basil, and chives all work wonderfully. It's all a matter of taste, really! If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried, but use about half the amount. Also, if you're out of lemons, a dash of apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch, but use sparingly!

How do I store leftover grilled chicken and how long will it last in the fridge?

Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to cool completely before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Properly stored, cooked grilled chicken will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You can then use it in salads, sandwiches, or reheat it for another meal, just like Boxing Day leftovers!

Is this grilled chicken recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Grilled chicken, especially when made with boneless, skinless breasts, is generally a healthy option. It's a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The lemon and herbs add flavour without a lot of extra calories or fat. Just remember to keep an eye on the portion sizes and pair it with some lovely veg like grilled asparagus or a quinoa salad!

How can I prevent my grilled chicken from drying out on the grill using these grilled chicken recipes?

To prevent your chicken from drying out, avoid overcooking it by using a meat thermometer. Marinating the chicken also helps to keep it moist. Don't overcrowd the grill; this lowers the temperature and can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Finally, letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken – just like letting a good cup of tea brew properly!

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