Lemon Herb Chicken – Fresh & Juicy
This light and fresh grilled chicken recipe combines zesty lemon with aromatic herbs for a perfectly juicy, flavorful meal. It's quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (juice + zest)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it's fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden with nice grill marks.
- Rest and serve: Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
💡 Cooking Tips
- For extra juiciness, don't skip the resting step after grilling.
- If you don't have a grill, a grill pan or even a regular skillet works great.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- This marinade also works wonderfully with chicken thighs or drumsticks.