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Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

This Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts infused with a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic dried herbs. Perfectly marinated and grilled to tender perfection, this dish is a fresh, flavorful, and healthy option for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The marinade also works well for stovetop cooking, offering versatile preparation methods to suit your kitchen setup.

Ingredients

Lemon Herb Marinade

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts (trimmed)
  • ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate. You can marinate up to 12 hours for more intense flavor.
  3. Preheat Your Cooking Surface: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. For stovetop cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles when the chicken is added.
  4. Cook the Chicken – Grilling Method: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear. Adjust cooking time if using bone-in pieces.
  5. Cook the Chicken – Stovetop Method: Place the chicken breasts in the heated skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until golden and then flip to cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Ensure the chicken is firm to the touch and cooked through. Increase cooking time if using bone-in chicken.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving for best juiciness and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinating longer than 1 hour (up to 12 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts; adjust cooking time as thighs may need slightly longer.
  • Bone-in chicken requires a longer cooking time; check doneness by ensuring juices run clear.
  • If grilling, use medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.
  • Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days.