This recipe for grilled chicken breasts is packed with flavor thanks to zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. It’s simple to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
You’ll love how juicy and tender the chicken turns out. I often serve it with some fresh veggies or a salad. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen hero! 🦸♂️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets work nicely too. You can also use bone-in chicken, just remember to adjust the cooking time.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a great substitution. It has a high smoke point and a mild flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but if you only have garlic powder, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon. Just add it to the marinade, but fresh garlic really adds depth.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest give a vibrant flavor. If lemons aren’t available, use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always better for taste. Lime could work too in a pinch!
Oregano: Dried oregano adds an aromatic touch. If you prefer fresher flavors, using chopped fresh oregano works wonders. You can also substitute with Italian seasoning for a more complex flavor profile.
How Do I Grill Chicken Breasts Perfectly?
Grilling chicken breasts can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right. The key is to keep an eye on the temperature and to avoid flipping too often. Here are some helpful steps:
- Make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps to sear the chicken and locks in juices.
- Marinating is crucial! At least 30 minutes will help tenderize the chicken and add loads of flavor.
- Once placed on the grill, don’t move the chicken for the first 6-7 minutes. This creates beautiful grill marks and keeps it juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes is important too. It allows the juices to redistribute, making your final dish even more delicious.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts With Lemon Garlic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes for cooking, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate. If you marinate for the full 2 hours, you’ll get even more flavor out of your chicken. So, in total, plan for around 2 hours and 30 minutes, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will be your flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with lemon and garlic goodness.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated nicely. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a punch of flavor, you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, go ahead and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This way, it’s hot and ready when you’re done marinating the chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
After the marinating time, remove the chicken from the marinade; be sure to toss out any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook them without moving for about 6-7 minutes on one side.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safely cooked and super juicy!
6. Grill the Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of cooking, you can add lemon slices to the grill. Grill them lightly until they get beautiful caramelized marks. This adds a lovely touch to your dish!
7. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. When ready, serve your grilled chicken breasts garnished with those tasty grilled lemon slices. Enjoy your delicious, zesty meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more moisture and flavor to the dish. Just adjust the grilling time, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Should I Do If I Forgot to Marinate the Chicken?
No worries! If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken for just 15 minutes or rub it with the marinade ingredients directly before grilling. You can still get a nice flavor, even if it isn’t as deep as a longer marinade!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the grill or stovetop.
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Grill?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Just make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness!
