Easy Grilled Lemon Chicken

Name: Easy Grilled Lemon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 6 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; 3 tablespoons grated lemon zest; 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram; 3/4 teaspoon pepper; 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + marinating Grill: 10 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Apr. 27, 2022

There’s one word to describe this grilled lemon chicken recipe: "Yum!" It’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, then fire up the grill when we get home from church on Sunday. Guests love the citrus flavor! —Heather Erb, Milton, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
3/4 teaspoon pepper
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. Pour 1/3 cup marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for up to 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.
Drain and discard marinade. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165°, basting occasionally with reserved marinade.

Easy Grilled Lemon Chicken Tips

Can you use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this grilled lemon chicken recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe! In fact, they’re easier for beginner grillers, because they’re harder to overcook. Try more of our grilled chicken recipes to practice!

What other ingredients can you add to grilled lemon chicken for more flavor?

Chopped fresh herbs like basil or tarragon would be delicious with this grilled lemon chicken. Make a classic Mediterranean recipe by adding chopped roasted red peppers, cubed feta cheese or olives, or make extra marinade to toss with chilled pasta as a side.

How can you avoid drying out the lemon chicken while grilling?

Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Because chicken breasts are naturally low in fat, they tend to dry out more easily. So, keep a careful eye on the grill and make sure not to cook the chicken any more than necessary. Or, reach for chicken thighs instead: the ease of grilling is just one more reason to buy chicken thighs.

How do you store grilled lemon chicken?

Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then promptly refrigerate in a covered container and use within three days. Or, freeze the leftovers for longer storage. Our ultimate guide to freezing food can help!

—Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 258 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat.