Zesty Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Zest from 2 vibrant lemons - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Lemon slices, for an elegant garnish To make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, gather these ingredients. You need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are easy to grill and stay juicy. You will also need three tablespoons of olive oil and the zest from two bright lemons. This zest adds a fresh kick. Next, juice those lemons to get 1/4 cup of lemon juice. This juice will help tenderize the chicken. You want three cloves of garlic, finely minced, for flavor. Fresh herbs are key too! Grab a tablespoon each of rosemary, thyme, and parsley. These herbs add a great aroma and taste. Lastly, don’t forget sea salt and black pepper. These seasonings will enhance all the flavors. Lemon slices make a nice touch for garnish. With all these items, you are set for a delicious grilled chicken dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. This will create a bright and aromatic marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor. Marinating time is key. I recommend letting the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors. Now, gently place the chicken breasts into the marinade. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This is where the magic happens! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. The cold makes the chicken tender and juicy as it soaks in all those flavors. Before grilling, preheat your grill to a medium-high setting, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps achieve that perfect char. After marinating, remove the chicken from the bowl. Let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to stay safe from germs. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook each side for approximately 6-7 minutes. You know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) and you see those nice grill marks. Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This is an important step. It helps keep the chicken juicy. Serve it with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of herbs for a beautiful finish! To keep your chicken juicy, let it rest after grilling. This step is key. When you rest the chicken, the juices settle back inside. If you skip this, the juices run out when you cut it. Always check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. You want the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C). This temperature ensures safety and keeps your chicken moist. To achieve those eye-catching grill marks, preheat your grill well. A hot grill helps create those beautiful lines. Remember to oil the grill grates lightly before placing the chicken on it. Timing each side is crucial. Grill each piece for about 6-7 minutes. Avoid flipping too often. Let the chicken sear before turning. For a lovely finish, garnish your grilled chicken with fresh lemon and herbs. This adds color and flavor. Place lemon slices on top or around the chicken for a bright look. Serve your chicken with a side of grilled veggies or quinoa. This makes a balanced meal. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a light option. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours for a more robust flavor, allowing the herbs and lemon to truly penetrate the meat. Let the Chicken Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist, tender chicken. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix and match different fresh herbs based on your preference, such as basil or oregano, to create a unique flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can change up the marinade for lemon herb grilled chicken easily. One great option is to use other citrus fruits. Think about oranges or limes. They can add a unique twist to the flavor. Just swap the lemon juice and zest for the other fruit. Another fun idea is to add spice blends. Try using paprika or cumin. These spices can give your chicken a warm kick. You can even mix in some chili powder for more heat. If you want to cook the chicken differently, try oven-baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. You can also skewer the chicken for kabobs. Cut the chicken into cubes and thread them onto skewers. Grill them for a fun, easy-to-eat meal. This is perfect for parties or summer cookouts. Now, let’s think about side dishes. A fresh vegetable salad pairs well with grilled chicken. You can use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice for a light dressing. For grains, consider serving rice or quinoa. Both are great options that complement the chicken’s flavors. You can even add herbs to the grains for more taste. Give your meal a colorful and healthy boost! After enjoying your lemon herb grilled chicken, store any leftovers properly. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days. To help maintain moisture, seal it tightly. When you reheat, do so gently to avoid drying it out. You can use the microwave or a skillet on low heat to warm it up. If you want to save your grilled chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove any air before sealing. This method will keep your chicken fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. Leftover grilled chicken is versatile and tasty. You can make a quick chicken salad by chopping it up and mixing it with mayo, celery, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Another option is to add it to pasta, stir-fry, or tacos. The flavors from the marinade will enhance any dish you create. Enjoy experimenting with your leftovers! I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This longer time enhances the taste even more. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! They are a bit more juicy and tender than breasts. However, you need to adjust the cooking time. Thighs usually take a few minutes longer to cook through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). To keep your chicken tender, don’t skip the marinating step. The acid from lemon juice helps break down proteins, making the meat softer. Also, let the chicken rest after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist. Add more herbs for a flavor boost! Try using basil or oregano alongside rosemary and thyme. You can also sprinkle in some paprika or cayenne for a kick. Experimenting with different spices can create a unique taste each time you grill! This blog post covered important steps to prepare and grill lemon herb chicken. We started with the essential ingredients and then moved to marination and grilling techniques. I shared tips for juicy chicken and how to present it nicely. You also learned about variations, storage, and using leftovers creatively. Experimenting with different herbs can lead to exciting flavors. It’s worth trying new cooking methods too. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken and have fun in the kitchen!$

Zesty Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken

A bright and aromatic grilled chicken dish infused with zesty lemon and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 pieces zest from vibrant lemons
0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
as needed lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. This will be your bright and aromatic marinade.
Gently place the chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you want to intensify those flavors.
Preheat your grill to a medium-high setting, targeting about 400°F (200°C).
After marinating, take the chicken out of the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to ensure food safety.
Arrange the chicken breasts neatly on the grill and cook each side for approximately 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) and the chicken develops appealing grill marks.
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it helps retain the juicy flavors within each piece.
Serve the beautifully grilled chicken adorned with fresh lemon slices and a light dusting of chopped herbs for a fresh finish.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, arrange the chicken on a serving platter and garnish with additional sprigs of fresh herbs alongside the lemon slices for a pop of color.

Keyword chicken, grilled, herbs, lemon