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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels, flattening thicker sections using a meat mallet to ensure uniform thickness for consistent grilling.
- 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.
- Marinating Process: Completely submerge chicken in the marinade, rotating to coat evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Grill Preparation: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating optimal searing conditions for perfect caramelization.
- 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.
- 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