This fantastic Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe is perfect for those warm, sunny days. We love this dish because it combines the zestiness of lemon with the smoky goodness of the grill, creating a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
As your BBQ guide, I’ve been sharing tips, recipes, and product reviews to help fellow BBQ fans like you elevate your skills and create amazing meals. Trust me when I say that this Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe is one you won’t want to miss.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned grill masters. It’s simple to follow and doesn’t require any advanced techniques, so even if you’re just starting out, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s sure to impress.
As for tools, you’ll need a trusty grill (gas or charcoal), a pair of tongs, a mixing bowl, a whisk, a zester or grater, and a basting brush. With these tools in hand, you’ll be all set to create this tantalizing Grilled Lemon Chicken masterpiece.
So, grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let’s embark on this flavorful journey together!
How To Make Grilled Lemon Chicken
Prepare the Grill
First things first, we need to get the grill ready. Fire up your gas or charcoal grill and set it to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, we can move on to preparing the marinade.
Mix the Marinade
Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. This zesty marinade will give our chicken an amazing flavor. Make sure everything is well combined.
Marinate the Chicken
Now, let’s get the chicken ready. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 2 hours in the fridge if you have more time.
Grill Chicken
Time to hit the grill! Carefully place your marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Cook each side for 6-8 minutes.
It’s important to make sure your chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Rest and Serve
Almost done! After grilling, let the chicken rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it even more tender and delicious. Now, it’s time to serve your scrumptious grilled lemon chicken and enjoy your meal!
Tips For Making Grilled Lemon Chicken
If you’re new to grilling or just want some extra pointers for this Grilled Lemon Chicken recipe, I’ve got you covered. Here are 3-5 simple tips to make your experience even better:
- Marinating Time: To get the most flavor out of your chicken, marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. If you have more time, let it marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours. a
- Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium-high heat on your grill throughout the cooking process. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice sear on the outside.
- Checking for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
- Resting Time: Let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
Perfect Sides for Grilled Lemon Chicken
A great meal isn’t complete without some delicious side dishes to accompany your Grilled Lemon Chicken. Here are some fantastic sides that will complement the zesty, smoky flavors of this delightful grilled chicken recipe:
- Grilled Vegetables: Keep it simple and grill up some veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. They’ll pick up the smoky flavors from the grill and pair beautifully with the lemon chicken.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette is an excellent choice to balance out the richness of the grilled chicken.
- Couscous Salad: A Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and a lemony dressing adds a burst of flavor that pairs well with the Grilled Lemon Chicken.
- Lemon Herb Rice: Enhance your side of rice with a touch of lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. This zesty, aromatic rice dish will complement the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zippy vinaigrette is a nutritious and delicious side that adds a wholesome touch to your meal.
- Warm Pita Bread and Tzatziki: Serve up some warm pita bread and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping. This adds a lovely Mediterranean touch to your Grilled Lemon Chicken feast.
Feel free to mix and match these side dishes to create your ideal meal, or use them as inspiration to come up with your own unique pairings. Enjoy your Grilled Lemon Chicken with these scrumptious sides, and savor every delicious bite!
Best Beer To Serve With Grilled Lemon Chicken
You know what goes great with our zesty Grilled Lemon Chicken? A refreshing beer, of course! Let me share my top 3 beer picks that pair perfectly with this dish, and why they work so well together. Cheers!
American Wheat Ale
An American Wheat Ale is light, crisp, and slightly citrusy, making it a fantastic match for our lemony chicken. The beer’s mild hops and fruity notes complement the tangy flavors in the marinade, creating a harmonious balance that’s just downright delicious.
Belgian Witbier
This classic Belgian-style wheat beer is brewed with orange peel and coriander, giving it a subtle citrus and spice character. The zesty flavors of the Witbier play off the lemon and herb marinade, while the beer’s effervescence helps cleanse the palate between bites of our juicy chicken.
Kölsch
Hailing from Cologne, Germany, a Kölsch is a delicate, light-bodied beer with a subtle fruitiness and a slightly dry finish. Its crisp, clean profile doesn’t overpower the flavors of the Grilled Lemon Chicken, but rather complements and enhances the dish, making every bite even more enjoyable
Related Grilled Chicken Recipes
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas With Chorizo
- The Best Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Pellet Grill Chicken Breast Recipe
- Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Basting Brush
- Zester or grater
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Put chicken in the bowl and coat with the marinade.
- Let it marinate for 30 minutes at room temp (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Check for doneness (165°F internal temp).
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes on a plate.
- Serve and enjoy your tasty grilled lemon chicken!
Grilled Lemon Chicken FAQs
How long should I marinate Grilled Lemon Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate Grilled Lemon Chicken for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
What temperature should I grill the chicken at?
Grill the lemon chicken at medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and a nice sear on the outside.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
Can I make Grilled Lemon Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and marinade ahead of time. Simply marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator, then grill when you’re ready to serve.
What side dishes go well with Grilled Lemon Chicken?
Grilled Lemon Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, couscous, rice, or quinoa.
What does lemon do to the chicken?
Lemon adds a burst of tangy, bright flavor to the chicken, enhancing its natural taste. The acidity in the lemon juice also helps tenderize the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken dish.
Should you put lemon on chicken before or after cooking?
It’s best to put lemon on chicken before cooking, as part of a marinade or rub. This allows the lemon flavor to penetrate the meat and tenderize it during the cooking process. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking for an extra burst of zesty flavor.
What is the secret to grilling chicken?
The secret to grilling chicken is to maintain a consistent, medium-high heat and to avoid overcooking. Make sure to marinate or season the chicken beforehand for added flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.