Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts Recipe
This flavorful grilled chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Perfectly charred on the grill and juicy inside, it's an easy and delicious meal ideal for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Main Ingredient
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1¾ pounds)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl or plastic zip-top bag, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, dried thyme, dried basil, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Seal the bowl or bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken. For best results, marinate up to overnight.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-high and cover the grill. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until char marks develop, then flip the chicken.
- Continue Cooking: Grill the chicken for an additional 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the chicken moist. Serve warm. Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked without overcooking.
- Serve with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, salad, or rice.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or broiled in the oven as alternatives.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity for desired sweetness level.