Grilled Lemon Chicken
Updated Oct 10, 2026
Grilled lemon chicken marinates in olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic, and oregano before cooking until juicy with lightly charred edges.
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I make grilled lemon chicken almost every week during grill season, so I barely think of it as a recipe anymore. I use the same lemon, garlic, olive oil, and oregano in the marinade every single time, and I haven’t felt the need to change it. During the summer months, I’m usually wanting a salad for lunch, so I like having grilled lemon chicken in the fridge. It’s really good cold, and I can slice some up for my salad or put it in a wrap, although sometimes I end up picking at it straight from the fridge.
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Recipe testing notes
For the past 10 years, I’ve tested every recipe before sharing it with you! These notes give you a peek into the process of developing this grilled lemon chicken recipe.
I tried grilling the chicken without pounding it first, just to see if I could skip that step. But by the time the thick end was done, the thin end was way too dry. I know it’s another thing to do, but after trying it that way, I’d rather take the time to pound it.
I tried bottled lemon juice for this grilled lemon chicken too, and I just didn’t like it as much. I’d go with fresh lemon, especially for that squeeze over the chicken at the end.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Grilled Lemon Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Before adding them to the marinade, pound them to equal thickness so they cook evenly. Or, if they’re big, slice them in half. It’s optional, but you can also add a few small incisions to help the marinade get into the chicken more. You can use chicken thighs, but they’ll take longer to cook.
- For the grilled lemon chicken marinade: Olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper make the marinade. Either regular or extra virgin olive oil works. The more refined the olive oil, the higher the smoking point. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste, and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for even more flavor. I use dried oregano since fresh oregano tends to look black after grilling, but you can substitute it with any dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, or parsley.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Chicken
These step-by-step photos show exactly how I make grilled lemon chicken. For the full ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below, or jump straight to the → Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe
1. Mix the lemon marinade
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (and lemon zest, if using), garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
2. Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken breasts and turn them to coat on all sides. Cover and refrigerate so the chicken has time to absorb the marinade. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
3. Grill the lemon chicken
Place the chicken on a preheated grill in a single layer. Leave it undisturbed until it naturally releases from the grates.
4. Flip and finish cooking
Turn the chicken over and continue cooking until the juices run dry. Remove from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
RECIPE VIDEO TUTORIAL
This grilled lemon chicken recipe video shows the original recipe for 6 servings, which you can find in the recipe card notes below.
Full Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe
Grilled Lemon Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 large lemon zest and juice (about 3 tablespoons juice)
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley for serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and pound chicken if some parts are too thick so the pieces are even in thickness. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice (and lemon zest, if using), garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and toss well to combine. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill for 5–7 minutes. Use tongs to flip over and cook on the other side for 5–7 more minutes, or until juices run dry.
- Remove chicken from the grill. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
6 6 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice plus the zest for the lemons
2 teaspoons oregano
4 garlic cloves pressed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
parsley or cilantro for serving
lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Pat chicken dry and pound chicken if some parts are too thick. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl or resealable freezer bag. Add chicken and toss well to combine. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place chicken on the grill for 5-7 minutes. Use tongs to flip over and cook until juices run dry, approximately 5-7 more minutes. Discard extra marinade
Remove chicken from the grill. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges and vegetables, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Make it sweet and smoky: Add 1 tablespoon honey and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the marinade for a lightly caramelized twist.
- Give it a tang: Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the marinade for an earthy flavor.
- Turn it into skewers: Cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks, marinate for 30 minutes, thread onto skewers, and grill until cooked through.
Recipe Tips
- Resist flipping the chicken too early. Once it develops good grill marks, it will release more easily from the grates.
- Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. This is the most precise way to know when the chicken is done, not undercooked or overcooked. When fully cooked through, chicken should register at 165ºF.
- Rest the chicken before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute themselves back through the meat after cooking. Just 5 minutes helps the chicken stay juicy!
Serving Ideas
- Grilled veggies: Since you have the grill on, make grilled zucchini, grilled tomatoes, or grilled corn on the cob alongside the grilled lemon chicken. Or, make all three!
- Grilled potatoes: I also love serving the grilled lemon chicken with grilled baby potatoes, grilled sweet potatoes, or grilled baked potatoes.
- Summery sides: Round out your feast with avocado caprese salad, peach salad, or apple slaw.
Troubleshooting
The grill may not have been fully preheated, or you may have flipped the chicken too early. Once the outside browns, it naturally releases from the grates.
Chicken breasts dry out quickly if they’re overcooked. Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F, then let it rest before slicing.
Too much excess marinade on the outside of the chicken can prevent good browning. Let any excess drip off before placing the chicken on the grill.
Yes, a grill pan works great! Preheat it well and lightly oil it so the chicken gets nice grill marks and doesn’t stick.
Comments
I’ve never commented on a recipe before because I find recipes on blogs just plain meh. But this. Wow 😍😍 First ever recipe that needed zero adjustments 🙌🙌 Only had 4 chicken breasts and the results were spectacular. Chicken was super tender with a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Wow, wow, wow 🤗🤗
Awesome!! I’m so happy you loved it! Thank you, Ilze!!
Is 6 ounces equal to 170 grams? Or is it 600 grams?
6 ounces is equal to approximately 170 grams. This recipe uses six 6-ounce chicken breasts and each one is one serving. Hope that helps!
I’m so confused….. for 2 servings this calls for 12 6 oz chicken breasts…. what does that mean??????? Is that 12….. 6 oz chicken breasts???? For 2 people? I don’t know where to start!
Hi there! The recipe uses six 6-ounce chicken breasts to make 6 servings (one 6-ounce chicken breast per serving). Doubling the recipe gives you 12 chicken breasts for 12 servings. Hope that helps clear things up!
This was a great recipe, easy but very flavourful
Yay! So happy you liked it!!
This meal was so amazing and quite delicious
Yay, so happy you liked it!! Thank you!
I really want to make this for when our family comes from out of province in a week. The weather is looking iffy for grilling outdoors (rainy and cool), is there a good way to do this in the oven and still have nice tender chicken?
Yes! You can use this marinade recipe and then follow the instructions for my Oven Baked Chicken: https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/oven-baked-chicken-breast/
Hope you have a wonderful time with your family!
Such a good and easy recipe to make!! Love it!
Aww, so happy you love it! Thank you, Monica!!
This looks amazing! Do you think it would be good served cold at a potluck picnic?
Yes, I think that would be delicious! Especially paired with some cold sides like potato, quinoa, or egg salad. Enjoy your potluck picnic!!
Our family absolutely loves this with lemon Greek potatoes. So good and so easy.
Yum, that sounds like a great pairing! So happy your family loves it!!
Really good! Definitely recommend with plain spaghetti
So happy to hear you liked it, Addison!! Thank you!
Absolutely delicious 😋
Thanks, Kayla!
This dish was wonderful! I ended up having some extra time so marinated the chicken for about 90 minutes. It turned out wonderful and my kids and husband loved it! I will definitely make it again!
Sounds delicious!
No exaggeration, this is at least the fifth Sunday in a row that I have this marinating in the frig to be grilled. My family loves it (including twin 7yo boys 🙌🏼), and it reminds me of Sundays at my Sittu & Jiddu’s.
Awe, thank you so much I am so glad you and your family are enjoying it!
I made your lemon grilled chicken tonight and it was DIVINE!!
Thank you so much, Angi!
Had it in the marinade for a couple of hours, the flavour was lovely, especially charred on the bbq. Really enjoyed it
So glad you liked it, Kathryn!
Could you grill in advance and serve it cold with the Mediterranean potato salad? Would be making this for a party.
I don’t see why you couldn’t. Hope you enjoy!
Looks DELISH! Can I do this in the oven (bake or broil)?
Many thanks!
Hi Kathryn, you sure can. I would just follow the baking instructions from my oven baked chicken breast recipe. Hope you enjoy!
Mmmmm
Thanks, Frank!
Thank you for sharing the recipe. Could I make the same recipe in an airfryer if yes what will be setting?
You’re so welcome! You could, but I haven’t tested for the timing and temperature of this recipe in the air fryer yet.
Looks really good! YUM!!
Thank you!
I made this tonight and followed the recipe exactly. It’s a keeper!
That makes me so happy to hear! Yay!
No surprise… another amazing recipe! Wanted a grilled chicken today and this was absolutely delicious. Cooked it up on an indoor grill and it turned out perfect. And thank you for including macros and tips & tricks! 🙂
Thank you so much! Glad it hit the spot. You’re so welcome!
Made this tonight for my husband and son and it was so delicious, the chicken was moist and so tasty! Easy peasy to make too and much healthier than a store bought marinade.
That’s perfect! I’m so glad to hear it!
Looks really yummy and I can’t wait to see what the family think’s, I just hope I can save the ingredients list etc to make it, not everyone puts it on their page.
Thank you! Hope everyone enjoys!!
Amazing no words for it 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you!!
I prepare this with boneless skinless chicken thighs instead. I have prepared it for two dinner parties, and in both cases I was asked for the recipe. Thank you, Yumna!
That’s amazing! I’m so happy so many of you enjoyed!
This marinate sounds amazing! Do you think this chicken would work well in a fettuccine alfredo recipe?
Thank you! Yes, I think it could!
I want to try this recipe on my new Traeger grill tonight. What temperature do I use for the grill? Thx
That’s so exciting! I would just use a thermometer to tell if the grilled chicken done. Generally when the indicator reaches 165°F you know the chicken is ready. Many grilling experts even suggest 165°F for dark meat and 160°F for white chicken breast.
This was so amazingly delicious!!! And so easy to make which makes it even better! Thank you so much Yumna for the wonderful recipes and tricks that you share with us! I also did not know about lemons causing the chicken to be tough if you marinate it for too long. Thanks for the advice and everything that you do.
Thank you so much! That makes me so, so happy to hear – love when you learn something new!
Great content! I find it interesting that you include details along with your recipes! keep the good work up 🙂
Thank you!! Hope you find those useful!
This was really delicious and easy to make. I will definitely make it again. Thank you for the comment on not marinating chicken too long when using lemon. I learned something new 😉
Love that you learned something new along the way too!
Love it. Delicious
Love this simple great recipe!Thanks
You’re so welcome!
Simple and delicious!
Thank you!
Love this simple recipe.Thanks
This recipe is amazing! I tried it with some of my “daring” vegetarian chicken and it was my all time favourite!
That sounds incredible! Yay!!
I would like recipes healthy and good flavor anything grilled Please
This is a great recipe for that!
Has anyone tried this in the airfryer?if so wht temp and how long?
I have yet to, but I think that would be a great idea to test out!
Perfection!
Thank you!
Love, love, love this! The flavors are excellent – it’s so good cooked on the grilled with a side of veggies and quinoa! I absolutely love the lemony tang that the lemon juice and oregano give! A definite staple in our home!
Delicious and super easy to make. Will make again!
That makes me so happy to hear! Yay!!
Amazing. I even made it from some of our rooster meat which tends to be tough and it was tender as can be!!
Thank you! I’m so glad to hear it!!
I tried this recipe and my whole family loved it. The chicken was tender and juicy
So glad to hear it! Thanks so much!!
This was great! I added chopped carrots and celery (after the toasting rice step) to give the dish a little more fullness because I was feeding more people.
whoops that was meant for the butternut squash risotto!
Ohhhh I was a little confused about the rice step HAHA. Makes sense now! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Awesome and easy!
Thank you!!
Can I do this in the oven?
Sure thing! You may want to check out my oven baked chicken recipe.
https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/oven-baked-chicken-breast/
This was so delicious and so easy to prepare. My husband was so impressed he said it was the best chicken breast he had in his life. I had my husband bbq them, and the key was the thermometer. I always overcooked my breast before and it came out so dry, however, with this recipe, the chicken was full of flavor ( the lemon and olive truly soaked the breast) and so tender! This recipe Is especially perfect for those who meal prep. I made a batch for 5 days, and even with heating on my foreman after 2-3 days, it tasted delicious. I hope to see more easy and healthy recipes such as this one on your blog. ❤️❤️❤️
Oh wow, best chicken in his life! That’s a huge compliment. Thank you so much!!
I don’t have access to a grill. Would baking it be ok? Pan sear?
I think pan searing would be great – just 5-7 minutes per side without moving it when you set it down on the pan. Enjoy it!
Delicious, easy recipe!
Thank you so much!
Excellent! I made alittle extra marinade to drizzle over the chicken before serving. So simple and so good!
Yay, I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you!!
Yesterday I tried this recipe and it’s so so good. I actually forgot the lemon cest, but added some fresh thyme and rosemary. I also used the marinade for the veggies and it was delicious.
Yay, that makes me happy to hear. Thank you!
Hi, plz can i use lime if i don’t have lemon?
Yup, that works!
LOVED the grilled lemon chicken! It was a big hit at a dinner party this weekend! Yummy! Thanks again!
Yay, so happy to hear that. Thanks so much!!
Juicy, flavorful chicken. Every child 9 to 2 loved this, which never happens with healthy food.
Yay, that makes me so happy. Thank you!
Chicken was sooo juicy and kid approved! Which is HUGE in my house!
So glad to hear it…I know how that goes! Thank you so much!!!
I have to tell you that I’ve tried at least 5-7 of your recipes and I’m a big fan. Grilled the lemon chicken today and it came out very juicy and flavorful. Thanks so much!
Aww thank so much! I’m so happy you enjoyed all the recipes you tried so far. Makes me so happy to hear!!
This came out awesome thank u
Yay, so glad to hear it. Thank you!
Such a great and easy recipe! First recipe I tried on my new gas grill and was absolutely delicious!
I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you!!
How long is too long to let marinate?
I recommend 30 minutes to 6 hours. Don’t go over 6 hours because the chicken will become tough and chewy then.
Awesome! So glad you liked it. Thank you!
I made this with pork chops and grilled it, and it was amazing!!
So glad you liked it. Thank you!!
awesome chicken….so moist….I have made this at least four times in the last month!!!
Oh wow, so glad to hear that. Thank you!
can i cook this in the oven
Yes you can. Bake at 425 for 15-18 minutes until the juices run clear.
Woooow…..Homemade!!! It’s the only thing that taste good! And so easy to do…
I think I will look for these and try your recipe this weekend. Thank you for sharing!
Dang Thai from Embeya!
For sure!! Hope you like it!
Thank you so very much. My boys and husband were so pleased with this recipe. I was totally proud of myself for nailing it. The chicken was so moist and tasty.
Aww I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for sharing and I’m proud of you for nailing it!
Light, juicy and healthy. Love adding lemon slices to chicken. Keep up the good recipes.