Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breast
A quick and easy grilled chicken breast recipe marinated in fresh lemon juice and fragrant herbs, delivering a juicy, flavorful meal perfect for busy nights or BBQs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place on hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping only once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest the chicken: Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Do not marinate longer than 2 hours to avoid the lemon acid ‘cooking’ the chicken and changing its texture. Pat chicken dry before grilling for better sear marks. Flip chicken only once and avoid pressing down to keep it juicy. If using a charcoal grill, use a two-zone fire for searing and gentle cooking. Let chicken rest after grilling for juicier results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (6-
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 40
Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, BBQ chicken, lemon marinade, summer dinner