7 Secrets To Perfect Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken – Juicy & Flavorful Recipe

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy main meal, this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is perfect! It’s juicy, aromatic, and infused with fresh citrus and herbs, making it an easy go-to recipe for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a stovetop grill, this dish guarantees tender, perfectly seasoned chicken every time.

This high-protein, low-carb recipe is ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or summer barbecues. Plus, it pairs well with many side dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

Packed with fresh flavors – The lemon juice adds brightness, while herbs and garlic provide a deep, earthy aroma.

Perfectly juicy chicken – The marinade locks in moisture, preventing dry, tough meat.

Easy and quick – Only 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking!

Versatile – Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.

Healthy – A great low-carb, high-protein meal for a balanced diet.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

¼ cup olive oil

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky touch)

📌 Pro Tip: Want extra juiciness? Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.

2️⃣ Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish.

3️⃣ Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

📌 Pro Tip: Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours—the acidity of the lemon can make the chicken tough.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

1️⃣ Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

2️⃣ Brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1️⃣ Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.

2️⃣ Place on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3️⃣ Transfer to a plate and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

📌 Secret Tip: Letting the chicken rest locks in the juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.

What to Serve with Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken?

🍟 Crispy French Fries – A classic side that adds a satisfying crunch.

🥗 Greek Salad – Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese with a light vinaigrette.

🌾 Garlic Butter Rice – Fluffy, aromatic, and perfect for soaking up the juices.

🥦 Steamed Vegetables – A healthy, light option to balance the meal.

📌 Meal Prep Tip: Slice leftovers and add them to wraps, sandwiches, or salads for easy meals!

Tasty Variations & Add-Ins

🌶 Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat.

🍊 Citrus Blend: Swap lemon for orange or lime juice for a different flavor twist.

🧄 Extra Garlic: Double the garlic for a bolder taste!

🧀 Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

🥡 How to Store & Reheat Grilled Chicken

🔹 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

🔹 Freezing: Wrap cooked chicken in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

🔹 Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals to retain juiciness.

📌 Tip: To prevent dryness, sprinkle a little chicken broth or olive oil before reheating!

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes! Use 1 tsp dried rosemary and 1 tsp dried thyme instead of fresh.

💬 Can I bake instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

💬 How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

This dish is already low-carb and keto-friendly! Just pair it with keto sides like avocado salad or roasted veggies.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

📌 Estimated values

Calories: 290 kcal

Protein: 35g

Carbs: 3g

Fat: 14g

Fiber: 1g

This lean, high-protein dish is perfect for healthy eating and weight management!

Tried This Recipe? Show Us Your Dish!

Tag us on Instagram @sweetspotrecipes and use #LemonHerbChicken – we’d love to see your creations!

💬 What’s your favorite grilled chicken side? Let us know in the comments!

🔹 Want something heartier? Try our Moroccan Chicken Tagine!

🔹 Looking for a creamy dish? Check out our Garlic Chicken Recipe!

📌 Need the best grill pan? Check out expert reviews here.

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