Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs, the chicken becomes tender, zesty, and perfectly charred on the grill.
Ideal for meal prep, healthy dinners, salads, wraps, or grain bowls, this high-protein recipe is a versatile staple you’ll want to make all year long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
High in protein
Simple ingredients
Bright lemon-garlic flavor
Perfect for grilling season
Great for meal prep
Naturally gluten-free
Ready in under 40 minutes
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Course: Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
Zest of 1 lemon
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges
Fresh dill
Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Garlic
Oregano
Thyme
Parsley
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken breasts to the marinade.
Coat evenly and cover.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates.
Remove chicken from the marinade.
Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest the Chicken
Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
This helps keep the chicken juicy.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with:
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Fresh dill
Serve alongside roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, salad, or potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs perfectly with:
Greek salad
Roasted potatoes
Mediterranean rice pilaf
Quinoa bowls
Grilled vegetables
Tzatziki sauce
Couscous salad
Cucumber tomato salad
Notes & Tips
Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
Expert Tips
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling.
Avoid flipping repeatedly—one flip creates beautiful grill marks.
Always rest the chicken before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours because the lemon can affect the texture.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320
Protein: 46g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 620mg