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Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 71 reviews

This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. It’s the perfect main-course for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, offering a healthy, protein-packed meal with vibrant, fresh flavors.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh thyme and fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a 1-gallon sealable plastic bag. Pour most of the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Reserve a little marinade to brush on while grilling. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours, to prevent the lemon from breaking down the meat.
  3. Prepare for Grilling: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, brushing occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy and tender. Slice, garnish with extra herbs if desired, and serve.

Notes

  • Don’t marinate the chicken longer than 2 hours, as the acid in the lemon can make it mushy.
  • For best results, use fresh herbs, but dried thyme and rosemary can be substituted (use 2 tsp each dried).
  • Check for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
  • This recipe works with chicken breasts too—adjust grill time as needed.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6th of recipe
  • Calories: 226 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 153.7 mg
  • Fat: 12.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.9 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 29.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/lemon-herb-grilled-chicken-recipe/