Print

Juicy Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe Easy 5-Step Dinner

lemon garlic grilled chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy grilled chicken breast recipe marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, delivering juicy, flavorful results perfect for busy weeknights or BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano (if using), and honey until well combined.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Turn to coat evenly. Cover or seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 20 minutes up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C). Clean and oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is charred with grill marks.
  5. Rest and serve: Transfer chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with a lemon wedge or your favorite side.

Notes

Do not marinate longer than 2 hours to avoid the lemon juice ‘cooking’ the chicken and making it tough. Flip chicken only once for better sear and juiciness. Let chicken rest after grilling to lock in juices. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to a cooler part of the grill.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, grilled chicken breast, healthy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, BBQ chicken