Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken
This grilled chicken is marinated with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, resulting in a juicy, flavorful dish perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs) (Choose even size for consistent cooking.)
- Paper towels (For drying the chicken.)
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil (Use a good fruity extra virgin for flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Adds brightness; do not over-marinate.)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Use a blend suitable for your family.)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (Adds color; smoked paprika is optional.)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust according to taste.)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (Use to taste.)
Optional
- Fresh parsley (For garnish.)
- Cooking oil (For grill grates.)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.
- Trim excess fat if using thighs.
Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Marinate
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
- Pour marinade over chicken and coat evenly.
- Marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours in the refrigerator).
- Remove from fridge 15-20 minutes before grilling.
Preheat Grill
- Heat grill to 400-425°F (medium-high).
- Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken
- Place chicken on grill.
- Close lid and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest & Serve
- Remove from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice against the grain and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat to 165°F before serving.