Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

This recipe for Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts is perfect for summer grilling! Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this grilled lemon garlic chicken is a go-to dish that you’ll want to make on repeat. Ideal for family gatherings or outdoor barbecues, its zesty marinade elevates the simple chicken breast into a standout meal. Enjoy it hot off the grill or as delicious leftovers in salads and wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The marinade combines zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs, creating a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this dish before your next gathering.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it hot with sides or use leftovers in salads or wraps for a quick lunch.
• Healthy Choice: High in protein and low in carbs, this dish fits well into various dietary plans, including low-carb and Whole30 diets.
• Easy Cleanup: The grilling method keeps things simple with minimal cleanup while adding delightful charred flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Ziploc bag or snap-tight container
• Whisk
• Colander
• Instant-read meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the perfect cooking environment for achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor.
• Ziploc bag or snap-tight container: Ensures even marination of the chicken by allowing the marinade to coat every piece thoroughly.
• Instant-read meat thermometer: Helps ensure your chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165F/74C without any guesswork.

Ingredients

This recipe features simple ingredients that enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.

For the Marinade

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Spike Seasoning (or another all-purpose seasoning blend)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Trim any visible fat from the chicken breasts. If some pieces are thicker than others, trim them to an even thickness. Save any scraps in the freezer for making homemade chicken stock later.

Step 2: Score the Chicken Breasts

Cut short shallow slits crosswise down each chicken breast. This helps the marinade penetrate better and adds texture.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, Spike Seasoning (or your chosen blend), dried basil, oregano, onion powder, sage, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a single layer inside a Ziploc bag or a plastic container. Pour in the marinade. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 5-6 hours; 8 hours is ideal. Turn occasionally if possible.

Step 5: Prepare to Grill

When ready to cook, drain excess marinade from the chicken using a colander. Preheat your clean grill to medium-high heat. Spray with non-stick grill spray or brush with oil.

Step 6: Grill the Chicken

Lay each chicken breast top side down at an angle to the grill grates. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them. Check for grill marks by lifting one edge; if they’re satisfactory, rotate each piece to create criss-cross marks.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

After rotating for another 3-4 minutes on one side until nice grill marks appear, flip each breast over. Cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until firm but not hard when pressed down with your finger.

Step 8: Check Doneness

Ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F/74C using an instant-read meat thermometer for safety.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Remove from grill and serve hot! This dish is great as leftovers too—refrigerate until needed; cut up to enjoy over salads or in lettuce wraps with avocado and salsa.

How to Serve Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in many ways to suit your meal preferences and occasion.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens – Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a fresh and healthy option.
• Caesar Salad – Add sliced grilled chicken to a classic Caesar salad for an added protein boost.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Avocado Salsa – Use the chicken as a filling in lettuce wraps topped with avocado salsa for a low-carb meal.
• Spicy Mayo – Drizzle some spicy mayo over the chicken in the wraps for an extra kick.

In Pita Bread

• Tzatziki Sauce – Fill low-carb pita bread with sliced chicken and Tzatziki sauce for a refreshing lunch.
• Vegetable Medley – Pair with grilled vegetables inside the pita for added flavor and nutrition.

How to Perfect Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

To achieve the best results with Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts, follow these simple tips. They will enhance flavor and ensure juicy perfection every time.

• Marinate Longer – For deeper flavor penetration, consider marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours.
• Uniform Thickness – Ensure that all chicken breasts are of similar thickness for even cooking throughout.
• Preheat the Grill – Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it to achieve those perfect grill marks.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer; aim for 165F/74C to ensure safety.
• Rest After Cooking – Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling; this helps retain moisture.
• Experiment with Herbs – Feel free to add different herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize your marinade.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

Pairing side dishes with your Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Grilled Vegetables – A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil enhances the summer experience.
2. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes adds extra nutrients and texture.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch alongside the chicken.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds a crisp contrast that balances the savory flavor of the grilled chicken.
5. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with lime butter complements the lemony notes of the chicken perfectly.
6. Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side for those who enjoy extra carbs in their meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the outcome. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing enough time for marinating can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 5-6 hours to let the flavors penetrate.

• Using a Cold Grill: Starting on a cold grill can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high before placing the chicken on it.

• Not Trimming Chicken Properly: Failing to trim excess fat or uneven thickness can cause uneven cooking. Trim visible fat and ensure breasts are of similar thickness for consistent results.

• Ignoring Internal Temperature: Cooking chicken without checking its internal temperature may lead to undercooked meat. Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F/74C.

• Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many chicken breasts on the grill at once can lower the temperature and prevent proper searing. Grill in batches if needed for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

• Place cooked chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label containers with dates for reference.

Reheating Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish covered with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated evenly.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other herbs in Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts?

Yes, you can customize the herbs based on your preference. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also work well with this recipe.

How long should I marinate Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts?

Marinate for at least 5-6 hours, but overnight is ideal if you want even more flavor infusion.

What can I serve with Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts?

This grilled chicken pairs well with salads, grilled vegetables, or low-carb pita bread filled with fresh toppings like Tzatziki sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The leftovers from Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts are perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe is perfect for summer grilling or any time you crave vibrant flavors. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or serving it alongside different sides. Give this recipe a try – you’ll love how easy it is to make flavorful grilled chicken!