Description
This Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, grilled to perfection and garnished with parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice, about 3 tablespoons juice)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If any parts are thick, gently pound them to create an even thickness across all pieces for uniform cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and tenderize the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to create good grill marks and sear the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes without moving, then flip with tongs and grill the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken is done when juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Do not marinate the chicken for more than 2 hours as the acid in the lemon can start to break down the meat excessively, making it mushy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying it out.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well as a substitute.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or oregano if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
