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To make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Marinade Components: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 lemons (zested and juiced) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Optional Additions: - 1 teaspoon honey (for a touch of sweetness) - Fresh parsley (for garnish) Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor. The chicken serves as a great canvas for the bright lemon and fresh herbs. Olive oil keeps the chicken juicy while garlic adds depth. You can adjust the herbs to your taste, making this dish versatile. If you want a hint of sweetness, add honey to the marinade. For a nice finish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is not only flavorful but also simple to prepare. For the full recipe and instructions, check out the Full Recipe. To start, we need to make the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1/4 cup olive oil - Zest and juice from 2 lemons - 4 cloves of minced garlic - 2 tablespoons of finely chopped rosemary - 2 tablespoons of finely chopped thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Whisk everything together until it looks smooth. This mix adds zest and depth to the chicken. Next, it's time to marinate the chicken. You can use a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish for this. Place the chicken breasts inside and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor. Now, let’s fire up the grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat. This step is important because it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets those nice grill marks. After the grill is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off; this helps avoid flare-ups. If your grill is small, cook the chicken in batches. Place the chicken on the grill and let it cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Don’t move it around! This helps create those beautiful grill marks. After that, flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices settle, making the chicken more tender. For a lovely finish, garnish your chicken with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and a nice flavor boost. For the full recipe, check out the previous sections. Enjoy your zesty lemon herb grilled chicken! Duration for Best Flavor: For great taste, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, you can leave it for up to 4 hours. Longer marinating allows the flavors to soak in better. Tips for Even Coating: To ensure every part of the chicken gets flavor, massage the marinade into the meat. This step helps the marinade cover all surfaces. Avoiding Overcrowding: Cook your chicken in batches. If you put too much on the grill, it won’t cook evenly. This can lead to undercooked chicken, which is not safe to eat. Achieving Perfect Grill Marks: Keep the chicken in place while it cooks. Moving it too soon can prevent those nice grill marks from forming. Let it sizzle and create that beautiful char. For a complete guide on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make lemon herb grilled chicken even better with a few tweaks. First, consider adding spices like chili flakes or paprika. These will give a nice kick to the dish. Just a pinch can really enhance the flavor without overpowering it. You can also switch up the herbs. Instead of rosemary and thyme, try using fresh basil or dill. These herbs bring a different taste and freshness. Experimenting with herbs can make the dish unique each time you cook it. If you want to bake instead of grill, it’s easy. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Another fun option is to make skewers. Cut the chicken into chunks and marinate as usual. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, adding bell peppers or onions for color. Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Skewers are great for parties and are fun to eat. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide that includes all the steps and tips. After grilling, it's best to cool your chicken quickly. Let it sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. This helps prevent bacteria growth. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container. In the fridge, Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken lasts about three to four days. Make sure to keep it sealed tight. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. You can freeze grilled chicken for longer storage. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting. Just be careful to not cook it while defrosting. For a quick meal, having grilled chicken ready in the freezer is a smart idea. You can enjoy it anytime by adding it to salads or wraps. You can marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours. For the best flavor, I recommend marinating it for about 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up the lemon and herb flavors. If you marinate it too long, the acid can make the meat mushy. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. It will take longer to cook than boneless chicken. Bone-in pieces usually need about 10 extra minutes on the grill. Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). Great sides for this dish include: - Fresh salads - Roasted vegetables - Quinoa or couscous - Garlic bread These options enhance the zesty flavors of the chicken and make your meal complete. You can find the full recipe in the article for more details. In this article, we explored how to make lemon herb grilled chicken. We covered the key ingredients like chicken breasts, marinade components, and optional additions. You learned step-by-step instructions, marinating tips, grilling techniques, and variations. Remember to let the chicken rest after grilling for the best flavor and tenderness. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. So, fire up the grill and savor every bite!

- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Elevate your next meal with this zesty lemon herb grilled chicken recipe! Packed with fresh flavors from garlic, rosemary, and thyme, this dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings or a family dinner. Learn how to marinate and grill juicy chicken breasts that are bursting with taste. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s easy and delicious!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup olive oil

2 lemons (zested and juiced)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using). Whisk until well combined to create the marinade.

    Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).

      Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. It’s important not to overcrowd the grill, so if your grill space is limited, work in batches.

          Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side, without moving them, until nice grill marks form. Flip the chicken and grill the other side for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

            Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

              Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for an added burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Serving Suggestions: Serve the grilled chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the zesty flavors.