Add Preferred SourceI have always believed a simple grilled chicken recipe is something every home cook should have tucked away. This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is the one I come back to again and again, especially on busy weeknights when I want dinner to feel fresh but not fussy.
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The first time I made this, it was for a last-minute family cookout. I had chicken in the fridge and a lemon on the counter. A quick whisk of olive oil, garlic, and dried herbs turned into something we still talk about. It is amazing what a few good ingredients can do.
Southern Memories from the Grill
Southern food has always felt like home to me. I grew up with fried chicken, biscuits, and greens in the air, and some of my favorite memories are of my mom at the grill, humming while she flipped the chicken pieces over. Her lemon herb marinade was simple and perfect, but I started adding a little extra lemon zest and giving it more time to rest, which made the flavor even brighter. We never needed a big occasion, just a warm afternoon and that familiar smell drifting through the yard.
Ingredients
How to make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the hot grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, letting it sit undisturbed so you get good grill marks.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices stay in place.
Serving suggestions
This is the kind of main dish that fits right into almost any Southern meal. Pair it with creamy Southern Mash for a complete supper, or let it lead the meal with a side of Succotash for a colorful plate that feels fresh and satisfying. Broiled Veggies make another easy partner, especially when you want something simple and well balanced. It also slices beautifully for sandwiches, wraps, or tucked into a green salad for an easy lunch the next day.
Storage tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven or in a skillet over low heat. You can also enjoy it cold in a sandwich or salad.
Southern farewell
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is one of those recipes I turn to again and again because it is full of bright flavor and always brings back memories of family time and easy Southern hospitality. It is the kind of dish that feels special without requiring much fuss. I hope it finds a place at your table too, especially the next time you fire up the grill and gather everyone around.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts boneless
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra-virgin
- 1 juice of lemon
- 1 lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Set your grill to medium-high heat and let it warm up while the chicken marinates.
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay in the meat.
- Slice or serve it whole with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
