This Lemon Herb Chicken is bright and zesty, perfect for a fresh meal! Marinated in tangy lemon juice and mixed herbs, it’s a great choice for a simple dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for this recipe because it’s lean and cooks quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey breast or even tofu (for a vegetarian option) can work well.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You can substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer a different flavor or need a higher smoke point.
Lemons: Fresh lemons give the best flavor. If you don’t have lemons, lime juice can be a nice replacement. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the taste significantly. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but it won’t have the same punch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove of fresh garlic.
Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are great for seasoning, but you can swap them for Italian seasoning or use fresh herbs if you have them. Just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret to juicy chicken lies in marinating it properly. Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
- Marinate: Leave the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For greater flavor, aim for 2 hours. Just remember not to marinate too long with lemon juice as it can start to ‘cook’ the chicken.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps with creating nice grill lines and ensuring even cooking. Avoid flipping it too often; let it sear properly.
- Resting: After grilling, let the chicken sit for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist.
How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. If you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor. Cooking the chicken will take around 15 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at about 55 minutes, but most of that is hands-off time while the chicken marinates.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Marinade:
Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until it’s well mixed. This flavorful marinade will help keep the chicken moist and tasty!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, shoot for 2 hours for the best flavor!
3. Get Your Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. If you’re using a non-stick skillet, heat it over medium heat instead. It should be nice and hot when you’re ready to cook the chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and throw away the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want nice grill marks and for the chicken to be cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
5. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill. Let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and delicious!
6. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to slice the chicken into strips for serving! Arrange the slices on a serving plate, and for a lovely touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. They not only add flavor but also make your dish look fantastic!
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve your Lemon Herb Chicken immediately and enjoy the bright, fresh flavors! It goes wonderfully with a side salad or some roasted veggies. Enjoy!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Bone-in pieces usually take longer to cook, around 10-12 minutes per side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemon Juice?
No problem at all! You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice. Use about 2 tablespoons of bottled juice for each lemon’s juice called for in the recipe. Keep in mind that fresh lemon juice typically has a brighter flavor, so if you have it on hand, it’s worth using!
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, place any uneaten chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Marinate This Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors even more. Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator and remove it about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.
