This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is wicked easy to make, just a few simple ingredients, ya know, for a real good, healthy meal! Packed with so much flavor, thanks to the tangy lemon juice, a ton of garlic, and some fresh thyme. It’s a real hit, I tell ya!
This lemon herb grilled chicken has been a go-to recipe in our house for more than 10 years, and here’s why: it’s simple, uses fresh ingredients, and makes the most flavorful chicken you’ll ever taste! The marinade is made with olive oil, tangy lemon juice, loads of garlic, and fresh herbs—it’s absolutely delicious. Plus, this same marinade doubles as an amazing salad dressing! It’s a total win-win.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken
- It’s super flavorful, super easy to make, and works for pretty much anything.
- You only need 5 simple ingredients that you probably already have at home!
- The marinade isn’t just for chicken—it’s amazing on steak, fish, or shrimp, and even works as a salad dressing.
- Perfect for meal prep! Serve it over rice, with roasted veggies, or on top of a salad. It’s a total game-changer for busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lemon herb chicken recipe is super simple and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: The recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs (bone-in works too), but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even chicken wings.
- Olive oil: This helps the flavors soak into the chicken and keeps it from sticking to the grill. You don’t need anything fancy—just go for cold-pressed and organic for the best flavor.
- Lemon juice: You’ll need about 2 lemons for that bright, fresh taste. Add a little lemon zest if you want an extra lemony kick!
- Garlic: Fresh chopped garlic or minced garlic from a jar both work great.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add a delicious flavor, but you can use dried thyme, rosemary, or even oregano if that’s what you have.
- Salt + pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors!
That’s it! Simple, fresh, and packed with flavor.
How to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl or mason jar, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow dish or a large sealable plastic bag. Pour most of the lemon herb sauce over the chicken (save a little to brush on later while grilling!).
- Marinate: Put the chicken in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. (The lemon juice is acidic, so marinating too long can change the texture of the chicken.) When you’re ready to grill, take the chicken out, shake off any extra marinade, and toss the leftover marinade.
- Grill and serve: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (use a digital thermometer to check). Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
That’s it! Easy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours. The lemon juice is acidic, and marinating too long can break down the chicken’s texture, making it mushy or tough. Stick to the 2-hour max!
- Oil the grill or grill pan to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- No grill? No problem! You can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 22–28 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked.
- Check the temperature: Use a digital thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F. This ensures it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Save some marinade: Before adding the marinade to the chicken, set aside a little to brush on while grilling for extra flavor.
- Bonus idea: This lemon herb marinade also works great as a salad dressing!
These tips will help you make the most flavorful, perfectly cooked lemon herb chicken every time!
How to Serve
- As a main protein: This chicken is perfect as the star of your meal! Serve it with a side of veggies and rice. Some great pairings include baked asparagus, sautéed vegetables, a healthy broccoli salad, or even some easy mashed potatoes.
- On a salad: Slice the chicken and toss it into your favorite salad. Try it with a healthy Caesar salad, a wild rice chicken salad, or a strawberry balsamic salad for a fresh, tasty combo.
- In a wrap or sandwich: Use the chicken in a wrap or sandwich with some greens and fresh veggies for a quick, healthy lunch option.
However you serve it, this lemon herb chicken is sure to be a hit!
Prepping and Storage
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. It’s perfect for adding to salads for quick and easy lunches!
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 4 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Important note: If you’re using chicken that was previously frozen and thawed, don’t freeze it again.
These tips will help you keep your lemon herb chicken fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you need a tasty meal!
Easy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Whip up this Easy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with just a few simple ingredients! Bursting with tangy lemon, garlic, and fresh thyme, it’s a flavorful, healthy meal perfect for any night. Quick, delicious, and always a hit!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Make the marinade
-
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Place the chicken in a dish or plastic bag and pour most of the marinade over it (save a little to brush on while grilling). Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
