This grilled lemon herb chicken recipe is a bright, versatile way to get lean protein on the table in under an hour. The lemon and herb marinade keeps the chicken juicy on the grill, and it pairs well with the other poultry recipes here if you are planning out a week of high-protein dinners. According to the Cleveland Clinic, spreading protein intake across meals like this one throughout the day is a simple way for active adults to meet their needs.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
How to Make This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe:
- Pound the chicken (optional)
For even cooking, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
- Make the marinade
In a medium bowl or a resealable bag, combine:- Olive oil
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Salt and pepper
- Marinate
Add chicken to the marinade and coat well.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours (don’t exceed 4 hours or the lemon can start to “cook” the chicken). - Preheat grill
Heat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. - Grill the chicken
Remove chicken from marinade and grill for:- 6–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness)
- Until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Rest and serve
Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or grilled lemon slices if desired.
