Fire up the grill for this mouthwatering Grilled Lemon and Rosemary Chicken recipe, a perfect blend of bright citrus and earthy herbs. Tender, boneless chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty mixture of fresh lemon juice, fragrant rosemary, garlic, and a touch of paprika, infusing every bite with bold, aromatic flavor. The grilling process not only imparts those irresistible charred marks but also locks in the chicken's juicy tenderness. Garnished with beautifully charred lemon slices and optionally sprinkled with extra rosemary, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with grilled veggies, rice, or a crisp salad for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether youβre hosting a barbecue or simply craving fresh and vibrant flavors, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to wow.
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If the breasts are thick, carefully slice them horizontally into thinner pieces or pound them to even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk the mixture until well blended.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. Occasionally flip the bag or stir the chicken in the dish to ensure even marination.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400Β°F/200Β°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade for food safety.
Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
In the last couple of minutes of grilling, place lemon slices on the grill to lightly char them. These will be used as a garnish for the chicken.
Remove the chicken and grilled lemon slices from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Serve the chicken warm, garnished with grilled lemon slices and an optional sprinkle of fresh rosemary. Pair with your favorite side dishes like rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Calories |
1564 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.4 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2879 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.6 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 217.0 g | 434% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 116 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 1926 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.