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Simple Lemon Herb Chicken

A vibrant and refreshing dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dining table, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grill or Oven
  • Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts

  • 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each) Lean and cooks quickly, absorbs marinade well.

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice Adds bright flavor and helps tenderize chicken.
  • 1 piece Zest of lemon Contains aromatic oils for concentrated lemon flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil Adds richness and keeps chicken moist.
  • 3 cloves Minced garlic Provides robust flavor that complements lemon and herbs.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped Adds vibrant freshness.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme, chopped Adds aromatic complexity.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors of chicken and marinade.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper, ground Adds subtle heat and balances acidity.

Optional Vegetables

  • Sliced bell peppers or zucchini Can be grilled alongside chicken.

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well incorporated.
  • Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). If grilling, ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled.
  • Remove chicken from refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  • Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Prepare any vegetables for grilling by tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add to the grill in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
  • Remove chicken from grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve chicken with grilled vegetables or your choice of sides, drizzling any remaining marinade over the top.
  • Enjoy with a fresh side salad or over a bed of rice.

Notes

For variations, try different herbs, add red pepper flakes for heat, or marinate overnight for deeper flavor.