Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken

$- 4 chicken breasts - 2 lemons (zested and juiced) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish - Additional lemon wedges for serving The main ingredients in this recipe are simple but key. Chicken breasts serve as the star. The lemons give it a bright taste. Garlic adds depth, while olive oil keeps it moist. The flavor comes alive with oregano and thyme. Red pepper flakes can add a kick, but they are not a must. Salt and pepper round it all out. You can use fresh or dried herbs, but fresh adds more flavor. The lemon zest brings a joyful aroma to the dish. Zesting the lemons is easy. Just use a grater or zester to get the bright yellow peel. Juicing the lemons gives the chicken a tangy flavor. For garnish, fresh parsley adds a splash of color. Lemon wedges are great for serving. They let everyone add more lemon juice if they want. This dish looks and tastes fresh and bright on any plate. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. In a mixing bowl, combine: - Zest of 2 lemons - Juice of 2 lemons - 3 minced garlic cloves - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk everything together until it blends well. This marinade gives your chicken a bright, zesty flavor. Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. This step lets the chicken soak up all the flavors. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. After marinating, it's time to cook. Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to avoid any food safety issues. Grill or sear the chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Look for those beautiful grill marks. This means your chicken is ready. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Slice it up and enjoy! You can garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges for a bright touch. To make a tasty lemon chicken, start with the marinade. Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk it well. This mix gives the chicken its bright flavor. Key Steps for Maximizing Flavor Infusion: - Use fresh lemons for zest and juice. - Let the marinade sit for a few minutes before using. Recommended Marinating Time: - Marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, go for 2 hours. Grilling is the best way to cook this lemon chicken. It gives the chicken a smoky taste and nice grill marks. Suggested Cooking Methods: - Grill on medium-high heat for great results. - You can also use a stovetop skillet. How to Achieve Perfect Grill Marks: - Place the chicken on the grill and don’t move it for 6-7 minutes. - Flip and repeat on the other side. After cooking, it’s important to let the chicken rest. This step keeps it juicy and tasty. Importance of Resting Time: - Resting for 5 minutes allows the juices to settle inside. How to Prevent Dryness: - Cover the chicken loosely with foil while resting. This helps maintain warmth without losing moisture. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if possible. Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness. Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. Omit for a milder flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your lemon chicken by adding herbs or spices. Try fresh basil or rosemary for a new twist. You can also add a pinch of cumin or paprika for warmth. This can make the dish exciting and fresh. For a fruity twist, use other citrus fruits. Orange juice and zest can add sweetness. Lime juice offers a sharper taste. Experiment with what you like best. If you want a different cooking style, try oven-baking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This method keeps the chicken juicy. Alternatively, you can make a lemon chicken stir-fry. Cut the chicken into strips and cook in a hot skillet. Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gives a fast and tasty meal. Pair your lemon chicken with side dishes for a complete meal. Rice or quinoa makes a great base. Steamed veggies, like green beans or asparagus, add color and nutrition. For garnish, chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top. You can also add lemon wedges on the side. This makes the dish look bright and inviting. You can store leftover lemon chicken in an airtight container. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Make sure to enjoy the chicken within three to four days. After that, the taste may change, and it may not be safe. To freeze cooked lemon chicken, let it cool first. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. This method prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until hot. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe. If you prepare marinated chicken, store it in the fridge. It can sit in the marinade for up to two hours. This allows the flavors to soak in. If you leave it longer, the meat may become too soft. Always be sure to cook it right after marinating for the best taste. The best way to check if chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F (75°C), the chicken is safe to eat. You can also look for clear juices running from the meat. If the juices are pink, it needs more time. Always let it rest for five minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Thighs have more fat and flavor, making them very tasty. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook than breasts. Aim for the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). They will be just as delicious in this lemon marinade. This recipe is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients used are safe for those avoiding gluten. Just make sure to check labels on any packaged items, like spices or oils. If you follow this tip, you’ll enjoy a tasty, gluten-free meal. Feel free to serve it with gluten-free sides for a complete dish. This blog post shared how to make tasty lemon chicken. We explored key ingredients like chicken, lemon, and herbs. I provided step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking. I also highlighted tips to ensure your chicken stays juicy and flavorful. By trying different cooking methods and serving ideas, you can enjoy lemon chicken in many ways. Keep these tips handy for your next meal! Trust me, it will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking!$

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in lemon and herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken breasts
2 pieces lemons (zested and juiced)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well mixed.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.
Grill or sear the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they have nice grill marks.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This will help keep the chicken juicy.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Marinate for longer for more flavor.

Keyword chicken, grilled, herbs, lemon