Name: Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup minced fresh herbs* (thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano); 4 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced

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If there’s one dish that never fails to deliver both brightness and comfort, it’s Grilled Lemon Chicken. Juicy, marinated chicken infused with zesty citrus and fresh herbs is a true flavor celebration that transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard BBQ or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and mouthwatering results. Get ready to make it a new favorite at your table!

Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Grilled Lemon Chicken is how a handful of fresh, basic ingredients come together to create layers of flavor. Each component really pulls its weight, whether it’s adding moisture, a pop of color, or that tangy edge that makes each bite so satisfying.

Chicken thighs (2 lbs. boneless, skinless): Juicy, full of flavor, and they really soak up that lemony marinade—plus, they grill up beautifully without drying out.
Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for bringing all the flavors to life and tenderizing the meat as it marinates.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon, freshly ground): A perfect touch of heat that pairs perfectly with citrus and herbs.
Olive oil (1/4 cup): Not only carries the marinade flavors, but also helps keep the chicken tender and juicy while grilling.
Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Delivers that signature tang and brightness that truly defines the dish.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Gives an extra burst of citrus aroma—don’t skip this for an even bolder lemon taste!
Minced fresh herbs (1/4 cup—thyme, rosemary, sage, or oregano): Whichever combination you use, they add earthiness and depth to every bite.
Garlic cloves (4, grated or finely minced): Adds that irresistibly savory backbone that ties it all together.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

Let’s start by bringing all those bold flavors together. In a large glass or plastic mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This fragrant marinade is where the magic happens—if you have a little extra time, mix it in advance and keep it chilled so it’s ready whenever you are.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Trim any extra fat from your chicken thighs (or butterfly chicken breasts if you prefer), then toss them in with your marinade. Use your hands or a spatula to make sure each piece gets evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours—high-acid marinades work fast, and we want the meat to stay perfectly tender.

Step 3: Prep Your Grill

Before turning up the heat, give your grill grates a quick cleaning and a spritz of nonstick spray to prevent any sticking. Set your grill to medium-high and close the lid until it reaches about 450°F. This ensures your Grilled Lemon Chicken will get those irresistible charred marks while staying juicy inside.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Now for the main event! Shake off any excess marinade and place your chicken pieces on the hot grates. Grill the thighs for about 4–5 minutes per side, or if using chicken breast, go for 6–8 minutes each side. You’ll know they’re done when a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part. The aroma is irresistible, so get ready!

Step 5: Serve

Slide your Grilled Lemon Chicken right off the grill and onto a serving platter. Squeeze over a little more fresh lemon if you like, and serve while it’s hot—this is where the flavors are at their peak.

How to Serve Grilled Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

A finishing flourish goes a long way! Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, extra lemon zest, or even a few lemon slices grilled alongside the chicken for added flavor and color. A dash of flaky sea salt can really make the citrus pop and enhance the grilled goodness.

Side Dishes

Grilled Lemon Chicken is delicious on its own, but it becomes a full meal with the right sides. I love it with roasted vegetables, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a summertime vibe, serve it with corn on the cob and cold pasta salad.

Creative Ways to Present

You can slice the chicken and serve it on top of a bed of wild rice or quinoa, stuff it into pita bread with tzatziki and crunchy cucumbers, or even chop it up for an exciting addition to grain bowls. Leftovers make fantastic meal prep protein for salads and wraps all week long!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Grilled Lemon Chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it perfect for grabbing a quick protein boost or easy packed lunch.

Freezing

This recipe also holds up well in the freezer! Simply wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then add to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll stay tasty for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat Grilled Lemon Chicken and keep it juicy, I recommend warming it gently in a covered skillet over low heat, or popping it in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just watch closely so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just make sure to butterfly or pound the breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness for more even cooking. They may take a bit longer on the grill—typically 6–8 minutes per side—so keep an eye on that internal temperature.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

With Grilled Lemon Chicken, it’s best to marinate for no more than two hours. Any longer and the acid in the lemon juice can start to make the chicken tough. If you need to prep ahead, mix the marinade and chicken separately and combine them closer to grilling time.

What’s the best combination of fresh herbs to use?

You can use any mix of thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano—choose what you have on hand or what you love most. I find a little rosemary and thyme add a great Mediterranean touch, while sage brings a comforting earthiness.

Do I need a grill for this recipe?

No worries if you don’t have a grill! You can make this Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe on a stovetop grill pan or even under the broiler. Just aim for a nice char and check the internal temperature for doneness.

How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Clean grill grates and a quick spritz of nonstick spray go a long way. Also, resist the urge to flip the chicken too soon—once it’s properly seared, it will release easily from the grates.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Lemon Chicken is so much more than the sum of its parts—it’s vibrant, simple, and seriously satisfying. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and bring the sunshine to your own kitchen or backyard. Gather up your favorite people and enjoy every zesty, juicy bite!

Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors that make for a perfect summer dish. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful blend of herbs and citrus, resulting in juicy, flavorful grilled chicken that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup minced fresh herbs* (thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano)
4 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced

Instructions

Mix the marinade. Combine the olive oil, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl and mix well. The marinade can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Marinate the chicken. Trim the chicken thighs, then add them to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prep your grill. Clean the grates and preheat the grill to medium-high (450°F).
Grill the chicken. Place the chicken on the grill, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve. Enjoy your grilled lemon chicken with your favorite sides!