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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons) - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) The key ingredients in this recipe work well together. The chicken breasts are the main part. Each breast should be about 6 ounces for best results. Use 4 cloves of garlic for strong flavor. The lemon juice adds brightness and tang, so use 1/4 cup for a balanced taste. The olive oil helps keep the chicken moist. Using 1/4 cup of oil is perfect. Dried oregano and thyme give a nice herb taste. Two teaspoons of each is just right. For a hint of sweetness, add one teaspoon of sweet paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Choose fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor. Look for breasts that are plump and pink. Fresh garlic adds a strong taste. Use lemons that feel heavy for their size; they will be juicy. Extra virgin olive oil should smell fresh and fruity. Dried herbs should be stored in a cool, dark place. Check the date on the jar to ensure they are not old. Fresh parsley should be bright green and crisp. This way, it will add great color and taste to your dish. For the full recipe, follow the steps closely to ensure a delicious result. To start, gather your ingredients. You'll need garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth. This marinade gives the chicken a bright, fresh flavor. Next, take your chicken breasts. Place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated well. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least one hour. For the best taste, marinate for up to four hours. This step helps the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. Now, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps get nice grill marks. Remove the chicken from the fridge. Let any extra marinade drip off. Place it on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check the chicken’s temperature; it should be 165°F (75°C). The outside should look golden brown. After grilling, let the chicken rest for five minutes. This keeps it juicy when you slice it. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check the section above. To get those perfect grill marks, preheat your grill well. A hot grill sears the chicken and creates those lovely lines. Place the chicken on the grill without moving it for the first few minutes. This helps form a nice crust. After three to four minutes, rotate the chicken 90 degrees. This gives you that crosshatch look. Flip the chicken only once to keep it juicy and tender. Cooking time depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thin breasts cook fast, about 5-6 minutes per side. Thicker ones may need 7-8 minutes. To be sure, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step is key for juicy chicken. Resting lets the juices redistribute. If you cut too soon, the juices escape, making the chicken dry. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm. This small step makes a big difference in flavor. For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your grilled chicken with different citrus fruits. Try lime or orange juice instead of lemon. Each fruit adds its unique taste. You can also mix herbs. Use fresh basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. These changes keep the meal fun and new. If you don’t have a grill, don’t worry! You can cook this chicken in the oven or on the stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake it for about 20-25 minutes. Check that it reaches 165°F inside. If using the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Both methods give you tasty results. Once your chicken is grilled, it’s time to serve! I love to place the chicken on a large platter. Add fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for color. You can pair it with grilled veggies or a fresh salad. For a comforting side, serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. These options make your meal feel complete and satisfying. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas to impress your guests! After enjoying your Lemon Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the chicken cools down first. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. To reheat the chicken, use a microwave or oven. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes. Check if it's warm throughout. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the chicken in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep it juicy and flavorful. If you want to save some chicken for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy that delicious flavor anytime! For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken details above! You can serve Lemon Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken with many sides. I love pairing it with grilled vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers. A fresh salad with greens and a light vinaigrette also works well. Rice or quinoa can add a nice touch, too. You might even try garlic bread for a hearty meal. These sides bring out the chicken's bright lemon flavor. Yes, you can use different meats if you like. This marinade is great on chicken thighs or pork chops. You can also try it on fish, like salmon or tilapia. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change based on the meat you choose. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat. To know if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also check the juices; they should run clear, not pink. The chicken should look golden brown and have nice grill marks. Let it rest for five minutes after grilling to keep it juicy. In this post, we covered the key ingredients for Lemon Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken and how to prepare them. We explored step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling. You learned tricks for perfect grill marks and proper cooking times. We discussed variations, including cooking methods and serving ideas, and wrapped up with storage tips. Grilled chicken can be simple and delicious with the right approach. Try these methods to enjoy your meals even more. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and cooking styles!

Lemon Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken

Savor the flavors of summer with this delicious Lemon Garlic Herb Grilled Chicken recipe! Discover how to marinate chicken breasts in a zesty blend of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for grilling season, it's easy to prepare and sure to impress at your next barbecue. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to elevate your outdoor cooking experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a flavorful marinade.

    Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure that each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish securely, then refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour; for the best flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours.

      When ready to cook, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting, allowing it to reach a consistent temperature.

        Carefully remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Let any excess marinade drip off before placing it on the grill, ensuring an even cook.

          Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C), and the outside should have beautiful golden brown grill marks.

            Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps retain juices for a more tender bite when sliced.

              Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the chicken for a burst of color and flavor.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes

                  - Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating)

                    - Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a large platter, garnished with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant and inviting presentation. Pair with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!