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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Lemon slices for grilling and garnish To make Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, you need simple and fresh ingredients. You will love how these flavors come together. The key is using fresh herbs and ripe lemons. The olive oil adds a rich taste and helps the chicken stay moist. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Garlic gives it that extra depth of flavor. You can feel the herbs in every bite, thanks to the rosemary and thyme. When you mix these ingredients, think about the balance of flavors. The salt and pepper bring out the natural taste of the chicken. You can also use lemon slices for grilling. They not only add flavor but also look great on the plate. - Grill or grill pan - Medium bowl - Whisk - Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish Using the right tools makes cooking easy and fun. A grill or grill pan gives you that perfect char. A medium bowl is great for mixing your marinade. The whisk helps combine the ingredients well. A resealable plastic bag or shallow dish is perfect for marinating. This way, the chicken soaks up all the flavors. Each tool helps you make this dish a hit at your table. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps provided. - In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper to create your marinade. - Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for more flavor. - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This setting helps achieve nice grill marks. - If you're using a charcoal grill, let the coals heat until they are covered with white ash. This shows they are ready for cooking. - Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. - Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should not be pink in the center. - In the last few minutes, add lemon slices to the grill. This gives them a lovely caramelized flavor. - Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. - Slice the chicken and serve it warm. Garnish with the grilled lemon slices and any extra herbs if you like. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions listed above. To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken longer. I suggest at least one hour, but four hours is even better. This helps the chicken soak up all the tasty lemon and herb goodness. Always use fresh herbs when you can. They add a bright taste that dried herbs can't match. When grilling, avoid flipping the chicken too often. This helps create nice grill marks and keeps the juices inside. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Pair your zesty chicken with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad. The fresh flavors balance each other well. You can also serve it with a fresh lemon vinaigrette. This adds a nice zing and ties the meal together. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs for a new taste. Use basil or parsley for a fresh twist. These herbs give a lighter flavor. If fresh herbs are hard to find, dried herbs work too. Just use less since dried herbs are stronger. Want a kick? Add crushed red pepper flakes to your marinade. This spice gives your chicken a nice heat. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce. This will make your meal exciting and bold. Grilling is great, but don’t stop there! You can bake or pan-sear the chicken. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for about 25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature is 165°F. Pan-searing is a fast way to cook too. Just heat a little oil in a skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. After cooking, allow the chicken to cool. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. Check it for signs of spoilage before eating. Use it in salads or wraps for quick meals. To freeze grilled chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For quick thawing, place it in cold water. Reheat grilled chicken in the oven for even heat. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover it with foil. This helps keep the moisture in. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of water to keep it juicy. You can check the chicken's doneness by using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is safe to eat. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white with no pink inside. Yes, you can use other cuts! Thighs, drumsticks, or even wings work well. Just remember, cooking times will change. Thighs usually take a bit longer than breasts. Drumsticks may need around 10 minutes more on the grill. Always check that they reach 165°F for safety. Absolutely! Grilled chicken is great for meal prep. To make it easy, grill a batch at once. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. You can slice it for salads or wraps. It’s a quick and healthy option for busy days. Lemon pairs great with many herbs. Here are some top picks: - Rosemary - Thyme - Oregano - Basil These herbs bring out the zesty flavor of lemon. You can mix and match to find your favorite blend. Each herb adds a unique taste, making your grilled chicken even better. For the best flavor, always use fresh herbs when you can. In this blog post, we explored a tasty grilled chicken recipe with lemon and herbs. We covered the ingredients, tools needed, and step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling. I also shared helpful tips for flavor enhancement and variations for spice lovers. Remember, you can store leftovers easily and repurpose them into meal prep. Grilling chicken can be simple and fun. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make your meal special. Keep it fresh, and happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Savor the bright flavors of summer with this Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a delightful blend of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for any outdoor gathering, this easy recipe is a must-try. Discover how to create a flavorful dish that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests at your next barbecue!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Lemon slices for grilling and garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

    Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).

      Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to heat until they are covered with white ash.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.

          Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

            In the last few minutes of cooking, add lemon slices to the grill to caramelize slightly.

              Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

                Slice the chicken and serve it warm, garnished with the grilled lemon slices and additional herbs if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4