Herb Grilled Chicken

This Herb Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish, packed with the perfect combination of fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic. It’s a great choice for any meal, whether you’re pairing it with a refreshing salad, grilled veggies, or prepping for the week ahead. The marinade ensures that the chicken turns out tender, while the grilling process brings out a delicious smoky flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Herb Grilled Chicken is a foolproof way to cook chicken that’s both juicy and full of flavor. The marinade, made with fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, and olive oil, works its magic to infuse the chicken with bright, savory notes. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is a great option. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4-5 small breasts) or boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6-8 pieces)

For the Grilled Chicken Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, rosemary, thyme, or sage, finely chopped (or a combination of these)

• Zest from one medium lemon (2 tablespoons) and save the lemon for grilling/juicing

• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic, or 4 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon cracked pepper

• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional; Aleppo or Urfa Biber are good choices)

• ¼ cup olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound the thickest part to an even thickness, aiming for about ¾ inch thick. If the breasts are very large, cut them into 5-6 ounce pieces for more even cooking.

2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes (if using), and olive oil. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the marinade for garnishing the cooked chicken.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl, baking dish, or large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it into all sides. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can also marinate for a few hours, overnight, or even a few days for maximum flavor.

4. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, cut the lemon in half for grilling.

5. Grill the Chicken: Lift the chicken out of the marinade, letting excess oil drip off. Place the chicken on the grill, along with the cut lemon halves (open sides down). Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden grill marks appear. Flip and grill the other side for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. The thickest part of the chicken should register at 160°F and the meat should be opaque.

6. Serve: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve on a platter, squeezing the grilled lemon over the top. Spoon the reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer using thighs, follow the same marination process. Be mindful of flare-ups on the grill; you can use a spray bottle with water to manage flames. Thighs will take about 5-7 minutes per side, then continue cooking on low heat until they reach 170°F. You can also finish them in the oven.

• Meal Prep: This chicken is perfect for meal prep. Grill a large batch, store in the fridge for up to 4 days, and use it throughout the week for salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

• Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes or even a small amount of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken with skin for this recipe?

It’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe. Skin-on chicken will cause the marinade to burn due to the oil content.

2. How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F at the thickest part. The meat should be opaque, and there should be no pinkness in the center.

3. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even marination and grilling. If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

4. How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but it’s best if you marinate it for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.

5. Can I grill vegetables along with the chicken?

Yes, you can grill vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times according to the type of vegetable.

6. Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

7. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for each tablespoon of fresh herbs.

8. Can I substitute the lemon with another citrus fruit?

Yes, you can use lime, orange, or grapefruit as an alternative to lemon, though lemon provides the most traditional flavor for this recipe.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any flour or wheat-based ingredients.

10. Can I freeze the grilled chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the grilled chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

This Herb Grilled Chicken recipe is the ideal choice for a quick and flavorful meal. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon makes this chicken juicy, tender, and full of vibrant flavor. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a versatile protein to pair with various sides, this recipe has got you covered. Try it today for a tasty and satisfying meal!