Grilled lemon chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a light and satisfying summer meal. Here’s a recipe that captures the essence of this classic, offering options for customization:
Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Lemon slices (optional)
Steps to prepare
Step 1
Prepare the marinade: Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Step 2
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it. Coat the chicken evenly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3
Preheat grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 4
Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any remaining liquid. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. For thicker chicken pieces, use indirect heat on the grill or finish cooking in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
Step 5
Optional lemon slices: During the last few minutes of grilling, you can add lemon slices to the grill alongside the chicken for additional flavor and visual appeal.
Step 6
Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, salad, rice, or quinoa.
Tips:
- Use boneless, chicken thighs will cook faster and have a slightly richer flavor.
- You can adjust the spices in the marinade to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a sprinkle of thyme for a more herbal flavor.
- Baste the chicken with any leftover marinade during grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh or breast.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
