Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for easy grilled chicken breast marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, perfect for a quick and healthy meal with juicy, tender results.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 – 1 ¼ lb boneless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (or red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Whisk marinade: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice (or chosen vinegar), olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate chicken: Place the boneless chicken breasts into a shallow dish or sealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Prepare grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking. This ensures you get nice sear marks and prevents sticking.
- Grill chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid and discarding the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be cooked through with no pink remaining inside.
- Serve: Remove grilled chicken from the heat and serve immediately for best taste and juiciness. Alternatively, let it cool before packaging in storage containers for later use.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 12 hours) will enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- You can substitute lemon juice with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar based on your preference.
- If grilling outdoors is not an option, a grill pan on the stovetop works well.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For added flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
