Marinated Lemon Chicken Breasts
Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly zesty, these Marinated Lemon Chicken Breasts are the perfect recipe for a bright and refreshing meal. Infused with a tangy marinade of fresh lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and a hint of honey, these tender chicken breasts are balanced with aromatic dried herbs like oregano and thyme. A touch of garlic and olive oil takes the flavor profile to the next level, ensuring every bite is bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Whether grilled to perfection or seared in a skillet, these chicken breasts are a delightful and versatile protein option ideal for weeknight dinners or summer BBQs. Ready in under an hour (with minimal prep) and customizable with your favorite sides, this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and earthy elegance!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken breasts
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can use a skillet over medium heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
280 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.8 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 562 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.8 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 31.3 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 28 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 308 mg | 7% | |
*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.
