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Grilled Lemon Chicken is a quintessential grilling recipe that’s very basic in ingredients, but rich in flavor! The lemony marinade is made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and oregano, which creates a tender and juicy grilled chicken recipe. Pair it with a salad, grilled vegetables or quinoa for a healthy delicious dinner any day of the week!
If you’re intimated by grilling chicken, I used to be as well. But it really just comes down to two important things:
- Marinade: How you marinate the chicken will not only flavor the dish, but it can also help to make it more juicy. My grilled lemon chicken marinade is made with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano and garlic. The acid from the lemon helps tenderize the chicken. Just be careful to not let it marinate too long.
- Chicken temperature: Over-cooked chicken is just not as enjoyable. So getting that perfectly grilled chicken breast will depend a lot on checking for the internal temperature using a thermometer. That’s the fail-proof method!
RECIPE VIDEO TUTORIAL
Grilled lemon chicken marinade
Here’s what you’ll need for the grilled lemon chicken marinade. It has a Mediterranean flavor to it and I haven’t found anyone who doesn’t enjoy it!
- Lemon juice: Make sure it’s freshly squeezed for the best flavor. If you’re inclined, you can even zest some of the lemon to include in the marinade.
- Olive oil: You can use regular olive oil or extra virgin olive oil. The more refined the olive oil, the higher the smoking point. And it’s also much healthier than using vegetable oil.
- Garlic: Use fresh pressed garlic for best flavor. If you can make incisions into the chicken breast, the garlic cloves will enhance the flavor even more that way.
- Oregano: I use dried oregano since the fresh oregano tends to look black after grilling. I love the way oregano pairs with lemon juice. You can substitute with any dried herbs though like thyme, rosemary, basil or parsley.
Allow the grilled lemon chicken marinade to do its magic. And half hour later, the chicken color will brighten and you’ll notice the marinade actually breaks down the chicken lightly. And that’s your cue to fire up the grill!
After they’re cooked, make sure to let the chicken breast rest for 5 minutes and serve it up with grilled vegetables, a salad, rice or quinoa.
Tips for making grilled lemon chicken
- Allow the chicken to marinate. This is the time to allow the lemony flavor to infuse the chicken. You only need 20-30 minutes, and no longer than 6 hours to avoid tough chicken.
- Place chicken on preheated grill and don’t move it. You want to cook it for 5-7 minutes, and you can press down on it with a spatula or grilling tongs. This lets it fully sear and it will release more easily when it’s fully cooked on one side. And plus it gives those nice grill marks we all like!
- Use a thermometer to indicate doneness. This is the most precise way of telling if the chicken is done and to avoid dry chicken. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 160°F degrees for white chicken breast or 165°F degrees for dark meat.
- Rest the chicken before cutting. This tip is important because it allows the juices to redistribute themselves back through the chicken after cooking. It’s basically what keeps the chicken juicy.
Frequently asked questions
Using a thermometer is the most precise way of telling 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 will depend on the size and cut of the chicken breast you’re using. But if you’re grilling a standard 6 ounce chicken breast, grill it for 5-7 minutes on one side without touching it. Then use tongs to flip it over and grill for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until a thermometer reaches 160-165°F.
No, I do not recommend marinating the chicken overnight. For most chicken marinades, it’s a great idea to marinate overnight. But since the lemon juice makes up such a big part of this recipe, I would not recommend it here. You can marinate for a few hours, but any longer than that will result in tough and chewy chicken.
Yes, chicken thighs work very well for this recipe. And since they have dark meat, the internal temperature will be slightly higher than the white chicken breast. You may also need to cook for a couple minutes longer on each side, depending on the size and cut of the chicken thighs.
Grilled lemon chicken is a basic and versatile recipe to make for the family, guests or yourself for a healthy flavorful meal. The chicken is juicy, tender, savory and bursting with a bright lemony Mediterranean flavor. Grilling the chicken enhances the lemon flavor and makes it absolutely irresistible during the summer
If you like this grilled lemon chicken, try:
- Almond Crusted Chicken
- Pan Seared Chicken Thighs
- Lemon Chicken Piccata
- Creamy Pesto Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken
- Skillet Chicken with Couscous
- Harissa Chicken
- Cilantro Chicken
- Chicken Meal Prep
If you’ve tried this healthy-ish feel good Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe or any other recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
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Grilled Lemon Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 6 6 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice plus the zest for the lemons
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 4 garlic cloves pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 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 minute
- 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.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
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.