GRILLED LEMON HERB CHICKEN
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a flavourful and juicy dish that combines the bright tang of lemon juice with the earthy tones of dried oregano and thyme. Olive oil adds a smooth richness, while salt and pepper enhance the natural flavours of the chicken. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, a light lunch, or even a summer BBQ. The chicken breast is marinated to infuse with herbaceous lemony goodness, then grilled to perfection, ensuring it’s tender and succulent with every bite. This dish is versatile, nutritious, and sure to become a favourite, ideal for pairing with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or a side of quinoa.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Entrée, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION / TECHNIQUES
Marinate, Grill
OCCASION / HOLIDAY
Summer, BBQ, Family Dinner, Picnic, Wellness Retreat, Weeknight Meal
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION / DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Fat, Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Quick & Easy, High Protein
DISH TYPE
Grilled Entrée, Chicken Dish
INGREDIENTS FOR GRILLED LEMON HERB CHICKEN
- 1 chicken breast (150g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Fibre: 0g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Potassium: 380mg
- Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 2% of Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 4% of Daily Value (DV)
PREPARATION FOR GRILLED LEMON HERB CHICKEN
- Prepare the Marinade: Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the breast in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, and ensure that you coat the chicken correctly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or 2 hours for more intense flavour.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 200°C or 400°F)—lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the chicken is no longer pink in the centre.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your favourite sides.
PREP TIME
10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours of marinating time)
COOKING TIME
12-14 minutes
TIPS FOR GRILLED LEMON HERB CHICKEN
- Pound the chicken breast to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- Use fresh herbs, if available, for a more vibrant flavour.
- To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
VARIATIONS
- Add a clove of minced garlic to the marinade for extra flavour.
- Swap out the oregano and thyme for rosemary or basil to change the herb profile.
- Substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Freezer: Marinate the chicken, then freeze it raw in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.