Zesty Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe for Summer Cookouts

Summer sizzles with this mouthwatering grilled lemon chicken recipe that brings zesty Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table.

Bright citrus notes dance through tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant blend of herbs and tangy lemon.

Each bite promises a burst of sunshine-kissed flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing with delight.

The marinade infuses the meat with incredible depth, ensuring every morsel is packed with incredible taste.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Fresh herbs and a simple technique are all you need to create a meal that looks impressive and tastes absolutely incredible.

Fire up the grill and get ready to savor a chicken recipe that’ll become your new summer favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12-14 minutes

Total Time: 52-54 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything You Need for Grilled Lemon Chicken

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a silky coating for even grilling and moisture retention.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, tangy citrus that tenderizes meat and adds vibrant, fresh flavor profile.
• Oregano: Earthy Mediterranean herb that brings depth and traditional Greek-inspired aroma to the chicken.
• Garlic: Powerful aromatic that infuses rich, pungent undertones and enhances overall taste complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that amplifies and balances the chicken's natural flavors.

• Parsley, Cilantro: Crisp, green herbs that provide a final burst of color and refreshing herbaceous note.
• Lemon Wedges: Allows diners to adjust citrus intensity and adds a zesty finishing touch.

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs marinades beautifully and creates a delicious, tender main dish.

Tools That Help You Grill Lemon Chicken

• Cutting Board: Essential for safely preparing chicken and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for trimming chicken and chopping parsley.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise for measuring marinade ingredients.
• Tongs: Critical for safely flipping chicken on the grill without piercing meat.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Key tool for cooking chicken with beautiful grill marks.
• Mixing Bowl or Resealable Freezer Bag: Needed for marinating chicken.
• Zester or Grater: Helps to extract fresh lemon zest.
• Meat Thermometer (optional): Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.

How to Grill Lemon Chicken Easily

• Prep Work

Ensure chicken is evenly sized by gently pounding thicker sections with a meat mallet. This helps create uniform cooking and tender meat.

• Flavor Bath

Create a zesty marinade by mixing bright citrus notes with aromatic herbs. Let chicken soak up these delicious flavors in the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to deeply penetrate the meat.

• Grill Magic

Heat your cooking surface to a medium-high temperature. Place chicken on the grill, allowing beautiful golden-brown char marks to develop. Carefully turn the pieces once to achieve perfect cooking on both sides.

• Doneness Check

Verify chicken is fully cooked by looking for clear juices and a golden exterior. The meat should feel firm yet juicy when gently pressed.

• Serving Style

Transfer grilled chicken to a beautiful platter. Garnish with fresh green herbs and bright lemon wedges. Pair with crisp seasonal vegetables for a complete and delightful meal that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Brighten Your Lemon Chicken with These Ideas

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness before marinating to guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Let the chicken soak in the lemon-herb mixture for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator to intensify flavor penetration and create more tender results.
• Swap oregano with fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences or complement side dishes.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking without drying out the meat, preventing potential foodborne illnesses.
• Transform this recipe by baking in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes or using a stovetop grill pan when outdoor grilling isn't possible, maintaining the same delicious lemon-herb essence.

Serving Grilled Lemon Chicken with Confidence

• Mediterranean Platter Paradise: Create a colorful spread with grilled chicken sliced over warm pita bread, accompanied by creamy tzatziki, kalamata olives, and crisp cucumber salad.
• Zesty Summer Salad Companion: Slice the chicken and toss over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, drizzled with a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Quick Family Weeknight Dinner: Pair the grilled chicken with roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions, served alongside fluffy quinoa or herbed rice for a complete and nutritious dinner.
• Greek-Inspired Wrap Adventure: Shred the chicken and stuff into warm whole wheat tortillas with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onion slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a portable and delicious lunch option.

Keep Grilled Lemon Chicken Fresh and Juicy

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store marinated or cooked chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Efficient Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple chicken breasts simultaneously for quick weekday meals, saving time and ensuring delicious protein options throughout the week.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual grilled chicken portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining grilled chicken into salads, sandwiches, or wraps within 3-4 days for delightful, quick meal transformations that keep your menu exciting and waste-free.

Tangy Lemon Chicken

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 52-54 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired grilled lemon chicken delivers zesty, herbal flavors that transport diners to coastal Greece. Herb-marinated chicken arrives perfectly charred with citrus notes, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (6 oz / 170 g)
• ¼ cup olive oil (60 ml)
• ¼ cup lemon juice (60 ml)
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Lemon zest
• Parsley or cilantro, for serving
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels, flattening thicker sections using a meat mallet to ensure uniform thickness for consistent grilling.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large container, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
3. Marinating Process: Completely submerge chicken in the marinade, rotating to coat evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow deep flavor penetration.
4. Grill Preparation: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating optimal searing conditions for perfect caramelization.
5. Grilling Technique: Carefully place marinated chicken on the hot grill, avoiding overcrowding, and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden-brown char marks develop and internal juices run clear.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and accompany with lemon wedges and optional roasted or grilled seasonal vegetables.

Notes

• Ensure Complete Dryness: Pat chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, promoting better marinade absorption and achieving perfect grilling caramelization.
• Uniform Thickness Matters: Gently flatten chicken with a meat mallet to create even thickness, guaranteeing consistent cooking and preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes, enabling herbs and citrus to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat for a more delicious result.
• Watch Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the grill, which helps develop beautiful char marks and prevents steaming instead of proper grilling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg