Brighten up your dinner table with this zesty, flavorful Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe! Featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a tangy marinade of fresh lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic spices like oregano and paprika, this dish is a celebration of vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The key to perfection is marinating the chicken for optimal tenderness and grilling it to golden-brown perfection, ensuring a delightful smoky char. Quick to prep and ready in just 35 minutes, this is the ultimate weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ option. Serve this grilled delight with roasted veggies, herbed rice, or a refreshing green salad for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for healthy eating, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness (about 1 inch). This ensures even cooking.
In a medium bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk well to form the marinade.
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 and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel for a better sear.
Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the grilled lemon chicken hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.
Calories |
1713 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.8 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2890 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.1 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 218.4 g | 437% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 164 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2110 mg | 45% | |
*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.