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Juicy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breast

lemon herb grilled chicken breast - featured image

A simple and reliable grilled chicken breast recipe featuring a bright lemon and fresh herb marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 2 large lemons, juiced and zested
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper. This should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Avoid marinating longer than 2 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat grill to medium (about 375°F to 400°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place breasts on grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on first side without moving. Flip carefully and cook for another 5-6 minutes on other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer or cut into thickest part to ensure juices run clear and meat is opaque. If needed, move chicken to indirect heat and close lid for a few minutes to finish cooking without drying out.
  6. Rest the chicken: Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 1 hour; avoid marinating longer than 2 hours to prevent texture breakdown. Use medium heat on grill to keep chicken moist and develop grill marks. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. If no grill is available, sear on stovetop and finish in 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb grilled chicken, grilled chicken breast, juicy chicken recipe, easy chicken marinade, summer grilling, healthy chicken recipe