Description
This Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a bright and herbaceous blend of lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean spices. The chicken is grilled to juicy perfection, offering a flavorful dish perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal loaded with fresh herbs and zesty citrus notes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (6 oz) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
Marinade
- 1/3 cup olive oil (plus more for brushing grill)
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2 Tbsp)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (about 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper)
For Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Using the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the thicker parts of each chicken breast to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, crushed rosemary, and season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag while pressing out excess air, and massage the marinade evenly over the chicken. Refrigerate and marinate for 2 to 5 hours, rotating the bag and moving the chicken around halfway through for even flavor distribution.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 425 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Grill Grates: Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and close the lid. Grill for about 4 minutes on each side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads between 160 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours but up to 5 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Using an instant-read thermometer helps ensure the chicken is properly cooked without drying out.
- If you don’t have a grill, this chicken can also be cooked on a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
