Savor the zesty, aromatic flavors of My Favorite Grilled Lemon Chicken, a simple yet elegant recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts are infused with the brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice, zesty lemon peel, and a blend of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. Enhanced by the richness of olive oil, the warmth of garlic, and a hint of paprika, this dish offers a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe lets the grill do the work, cooking the chicken to tender perfection in under 12 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners or summer barbecues, this grilled chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite grain. It's a healthy, high-protein meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors—sure to become a family favorite!
Zest one lemon and juice all three lemons into a medium bowl. Reserve the zest and juice.
Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the fresh parsley. Add both to the bowl with the lemon juice.
Stir in olive oil, thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all breasts are coated evenly.
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Grill the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish with reserved lemon zest and additional fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
1732 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.8 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2888 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.3 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 219.0 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 167 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 2180 mg | 46% | |
*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.