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Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is beautifully displayed in this featured image, showcasing its golden-brown skin and vibrant herbs.

Best Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

This recipe delivers perfectly juicy, flavorful, and beautifully charred lemon herb chicken every time. The key lies in a balanced marinade, careful grilling technique, and monitoring the internal temperature to ensure optimal tenderness and flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing the grill
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
  • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
  • Fresh oregano sprigs for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Resealable bag or shallow dish
  • Grill
  • Grill brush
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C).
  6. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  8. Place the chicken on the preheated grill.
  9. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Avoid moving the chicken too much during the first few minutes of cooking on each side to get beautiful grill marks.
  11. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  12. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much, leading to a mushy texture. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of chicken. For a smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill.