Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken
Looking for a quick and delicious chicken recipe that packs a punch?
This Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken is your answer!
With just a few simple ingredients, this bright, zesty marinade transforms chicken into a juicy, mouthwatering meal.
Whether you’re firing up the grill or cooking on the stovetop, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something fast but packed with flavor!
Ready in just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll be serving up a restaurant-quality dish in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
- Simple, bright marinade: Olive oil, fresh lemon juice and dried herbs you probably already have.
- Juicy and flavorful: The marinade seasons the chicken and keeps it moist on the grill.
- Grill or stovetop: Make it outside in summer or in a skillet any time of year.
- Make-ahead friendly: Marinate for 1 hour or up to 12, so it fits your schedule.
- Healthy and versatile: Great on its own, in salads, wraps or meal prep bowls.
For Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use thighs if preferred.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps with marinating.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for that bright, zesty flavor.
- Dried Basil – For a mild, earthy flavor that complements the lemon.
- Dried Parsley – Adds a hint of freshness and color.
- Salt – To bring all the flavors together and enhance the seasoning.
- Black Pepper – For a mild, balanced heat.
- Garlic Powder – Adds savory depth and enhances the marinade.
- Onion Powder – A subtle flavor that complements the garlic.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For just a touch of heat to kick up the flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Here’s how to make this lemon herb marinated chicken on the grill or the stove.
1. Marinate
Put the chicken in a large zip-top bag and add all the marinade ingredients. Press out the air, seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for the most flavor.
2a. To Grill
Preheat the grill to medium. Take the chicken out of the marinade and grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F) and the juices run clear. Bone-in pieces will take longer.
2b. To Cook on the Stove
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil sizzles, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until firm to the touch and cooked through (165°F).
3. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juices stay in the meat.
Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts, trimmed
Lemon Herb Marinade:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a large gallon Ziploc bag. Add all the ingredients for the Lemon Herb Marinade. Seal the bag, pressing out any excess air. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
- When ready to cook, you can either grill or sauté the chicken, depending on your preference. Below are the instructions for both methods.
Notes
Grilling Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the hot grill.
- Grill for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. If you're using bone-in chicken, the cooking time may be slightly longer. Chicken is done when the juices run clear.
Stovetop Instructions:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot and starts to sizzle when the chicken is added, place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the skillet.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Again, bone-in chicken may take a little longer. The chicken is done when it is firm to the touch and the juices run clear.
Nutrition
Tips for the Best Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
- Pound the chicken evenly: An even thickness helps it cook through without drying out.
- Use fresh lemon juice: It gives the brightest flavor.
- Oil the grill grates: It helps prevent sticking and gives better grill marks.
- Use a thermometer: Pull the chicken at 165°F for juicy results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Marinating too long: Stick to the 12-hour max. Too long in lemon juice can make the texture mushy.
- Grilling over high heat: The outside can burn before the inside is cooked. Medium heat works best.
- Cutting in straight away: Let it rest for a few minutes first.
- Reusing the marinade: Discard marinade that touched raw chicken.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
This chicken goes with almost everything. Here are some easy sides from the site:
- Orzo or rice: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo or Cilantro Lime Rice.
- Something fresh: Cucumber Tomato Salad or Creamy Cucumber Salad.
- Veggies: Buttery Garlic Green Beans.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container. As a general food-safety guide, eat it within 3 to 4 days.
- Leftovers: Slice it cold for salads and wraps, or warm it gently in a skillet.
- How long should I marinate the chicken for?
Marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, you can leave it for up to 12 hours for extra flavor. If you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes can make a difference! - Can I cook this chicken on the stovetop instead of grilling?
Absolutely! You can pan-sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. It’s a great option when you’re short on time! - Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?
Yes, you can! Bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook—around 10-12 minutes per side on the grill or stovetop. Just make sure to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. - Do I need to use fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for that bright, zesty flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work too. Just be sure to use ¼ cup for the right balance of tang. - Can I adjust the seasoning in the marinade?
Definitely! If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a little cayenne pepper. You can also adjust the garlic powder and onion powder to suit your taste preferences.
Lemon herb marinated grilled chicken is simple, fresh and full of flavor, and it works for weeknight dinners, cookouts and meal prep alike.
Give it a try, and let us know in the comments whether you grilled it or cooked it on the stove!
