Go Back

Herb-Citrus Grilled Chicken Breasts

This grilled chicken recipe features tender, juicy breasts marinated in a bright citrus-herb mixture, then cooked to perfection with flavorful char marks. The combination of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and garlic creates a fragrant, vibrant dish with a satisfying smoky finish. It’s versatile enough to serve hot, cold, sliced in salads, or tucked into wraps for a fresh, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs such as thyme and parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Meat Pounder or Rolling Pin
  • Tongs
  • Instant-Read Thermometer
  • Brush or Basting Spoon

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then pound them gently with a meat pounder or rolling pin to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag, then pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, in the refrigerator.
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, aiming for about 200°C (390°F). You should see the grill surface hot and slightly shimmering.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then place the breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side until you see nice grill marks and the chicken begins to firm up.
  6. Flip the chicken with tongs and cook for another 6-7 minutes, watching for deep grill marks and a fragrant smoky aroma. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
  7. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.
  8. Slice the chicken against the grain, then squeeze fresh lemon over the top for a bright finish. Garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired.
  9. Serve the herb-citrus grilled chicken hot or cold, sliced in salads, tucked into wraps, or enjoyed on its own with your favorite sides.