Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully with this marinade and are actually more forgiving on the grill than chicken breasts because their higher fat content keeps them moist and juicy even if they spend a few extra minutes on the heat. Bone-in thighs also work but require a longer cooking time, typically 10 to 12 minutes per side, to cook through to 165°F at the bone.

How long is too long to marinate in lemon juice?

The maximum recommended marinating time for this recipe is 12 hours. The acid in fresh lemon juice denatures the proteins on the surface of the chicken over time and marinades longer than 12 hours produce a mushy and unpleasant texture on the outermost layer of the meat. For the very best result marinate for 8 to 10 hours.

Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?

Yes. Place the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in a greased baking dish and bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a more golden and slightly caramelized exterior similar to the grill, broil for the final 2 to 3 minutes watching closely. The baked version is equally delicious and appropriate for any weather.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Easy Bright Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Description

The most bright and juicy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken made with chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemon juice extra virgin olive oil dried basil dried parsley garlic powder and herbs for 1 to 12 hours then grilled to a beautiful golden perfection. A completely easy and vibrant summer dinner recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts trimmed

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice

1 tbsp Dried Basil

1 tbsp Dried Parsley

1 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in a gallon zip-lock bag.

2. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.

3. Pour marinade into bag with chicken. Seal pressing out air. Massage to coat completely.

4. Refrigerate minimum 1 hour and up to 12 hours. 8 to 10 hours is ideal.

5. Preheat grill to medium heat.

6. Remove chicken from marinade allowing excess to drip off.

7. Grill 5 to 7 minutes on first side without moving until chicken releases naturally.

8. Flip and grill 5 to 7 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

9. Juices should run clear when thickest part is pierced.

10. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

11. Plate with fresh lemon slices and fresh herbs for serving.

Prep Time: 1 hour marinating
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Dinner
Method: Grilling, Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 388
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 49g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: lemon herb grilled chicken, lemon chicken marinade, easy grilled chicken recipe, herb marinated chicken breast