Grilled Lemon Chicken

Get ready for the juiciest, most flavorful grilled chicken you’ve ever tasted! This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and perfectly charred chicken for a meal that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make.

The magic lies in the simple but powerful marinade that infuses every bite with zesty lemon and fragrant oregano. When these flavors hit the hot grill, they create a gorgeous caramelized exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender and moist.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 6 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice plus zest from 2 lemons
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro
• Lemon wedges

Steps

1. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. If breasts are uneven, pound thicker parts to about 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness.
2. Create the marinade by combining 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons oregano, 4 pressed garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Mix well to combine.
3. Add chicken to marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Don’t marinate longer as the acid can start to break down the meat.
4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/204°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
5. Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side. Look for nice grill marks and slight charring. The chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear when pierced.
6. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Smart Swaps

• Replace oregano with 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile
• Use 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar plus 2 tablespoons water if you’re out of lemons
• Try boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier results

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

This recipe is naturally diabetes-friendly with:

• Only 1 gram of carbs per serving
• No added sugars
• High protein content (35g per serving)
• Healthy fats from olive oil that help slow glucose absorption

Pro Tips

• Let chicken come to room temperature 15 minutes before grilling
• Don’t move chicken for first 3-4 minutes to develop proper grill marks
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time
• Pat marinade ingredients dry before measuring to ensure accurate amounts