This Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe is perfect for those looking for a delicious, yet simple, meal that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Welcome to my world of flavors, let’s dig in!
You don’t need to be a master chef to create this scrumptious dish. Even if you’re just starting your BBQ journey or have been grilling for years, this recipe is perfect for grillers of all levels. The easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through the process, making it a breeze to whip up a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The only tools you’ll need to make this fantastic chicken dish are a grill (either charcoal or gas), tongs, a meat thermometer, and a zip-top bag or container for marinating the chicken. With just a few essentials in hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating a tasty, grilled masterpiece.
PS. If you like this grilled lemon pepper chicken recipe, take a look around our site for more great meals to share with your friends and family! I make sure to share simple tips, tasty recipes, and credible product reviews to help fellow BBQ fans improve their skills and make great meals.
So, fire up your grill, and let’s get started on this amazing Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How To Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Marinating the Chicken
First, we need to marinate the chicken. In a glass dish or zip-top bag, mix together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and lemon pepper seasoning. Add the chicken breasts and let them soak up all those tasty flavors in the fridge for 4 to 8 hours. This marinade can be used for chicken thighs also.
Preheating the Grill
When it’s time to cook, preheat your grill. Get it nice and hot, aiming for medium-high heat, around 400 degrees F. This will help us get that perfect sear on the chicken.
Seasoning the Chicken
Next, take the chicken out of the marinade and give it a little shake to remove any extra garlic bits. Now, sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning on all sides of the chicken. This will give our chicken a delicious, zesty flavor.
Grilling the Chicken
It’s grilling time! Put the chicken on the grill and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. If you want, you can also throw some lemon slices on the grill for a fun, tasty garnish. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F before taking it off the grill.
Resting the Chicken
Almost there! After removing the chicken from the grill, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps keep the chicken moist and lets it reach its final temperature of 165 degrees F.
Serving and Enjoying
Now for the best part – eating! Serve your perfectly grilled lemon pepper chicken with grilled lemon slices or fresh lemon. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful chicken with your family and friends!
Tips For Making Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Grilling lemon pepper chicken is an easy and flavorful meal, perfect for beginners and experienced grillers alike. To make sure your chicken turns out perfectly juicy and tasty every time, follow these simple tips that will guide you through the process.
- Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinating the chicken adds extra flavor, be careful not to let it marinate for too long. Aim for 4 to 8 hours for the best results. Over-marinating can lead to mushy chicken.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 160 degrees F, it’s time to take it off the grill. The chicken will continue to cook and reach 165 degrees F while resting.
- Grill With the Lid Closed: Cooking your chicken with the grill lid closed helps to lock in the heat and cook the chicken evenly. This also helps to prevent flare-ups and ensures a tender, juicy result.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Don’t be tempted to dig into the chicken straight off the grill. Give it some time to rest, covered in foil, for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Best Beer To Serve With Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Nothing beats the combination of a delicious grilled lemon pepper chicken and a cold, refreshing beer. To take your meal to the next level, pair your chicken with one of these top 3 beer styles, chosen for their complementary flavors and ability to elevate your dining experience.
American Pale Ale
This crisp, hoppy beer style brings a light bitterness that perfectly complements the tangy, zesty flavors of the grilled lemon pepper chicken. The citrus notes in the American Pale Ale will also enhance the lemony taste of the dish, creating a delightful harmony between the two.
Hefeweizen
A German-style wheat beer, Hefeweizens are known for their fruity, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. The fruity notes, often reminiscent of banana and clove, pair well with the bright lemon flavors in the grilled lemon pepper chicken, while the light carbonation helps cleanse your palate between bites.
Kölsch
This German-style ale offers a delicate balance of malty sweetness and subtle hop bitterness. Its light, crisp, and refreshing nature makes it an excellent choice for pairing with the zesty flavors of grilled lemon pepper chicken. The Kölsch’s clean finish allows the chicken’s flavors to shine through without being overpowering.
Related Recipes
- Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
- Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
- BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Grill
- Ziplock Bag
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 sliced lemon
For the lemon pepper marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for the marinade (olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon pepper seasoning) in a glass dish or zip-top bag. Add the chicken breasts and marinate in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours.
- When you're ready to grill your lemon pepper chicken, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400 degrees F).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade. Sprinkle the chicken on all sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken once it reaches 160 degrees F. Optionally, you can grill some lemon slices alongside the chicken for a fun garnish.
- Cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps keep the chicken moist when it comes to its final temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Serve the chicken with grilled lemon slices or fresh lemon.
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken FAQs
What is the secret to grilling chicken?
The secret to grilling chicken is using a well-preheated grill, maintaining a consistent temperature, and monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Be sure to marinate or season the chicken beforehand for maximum flavor, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling for juicy, tender results.
How do you grill chicken without making a mess?
To grill chicken without making a mess, clean your grill grates before starting and apply a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Use tongs or a spatula for flipping the chicken, and consider using a grill mat or aluminum foil to catch any drippings and minimize flare-ups. You are free to use a grill pan to cook lemon pepper chicken also.
Does marinating chicken in lemon make it more tender?
Yes, marinating chicken in lemon can make it more tender. The acidity in lemon juice helps to break down the protein fibers in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy finished product. However, avoid marinating the chicken for too long, as excessive acidity may cause the chicken to become mushy.
Do you cover chicken when grilling?
Covering chicken when grilling depends on the type of grill you’re using and the desired outcome. On a gas grill, keeping the lid closed helps maintain a consistent temperature and promotes even cooking. On a charcoal grill, closing the lid can create a smoky environment that adds flavor. However, leaving the lid open allows for better control of the cooking process and prevents flare-ups.
How long should grilled chicken rest?
Grilled lemon pepper chicken should rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful finished product. Tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to retain heat while it rests.