Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

This recipe for Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts is perfect for summer grilling! The bright flavors of garlic and lemon paired with fresh herbs create a delicious and juicy chicken dish that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough for family dinners, cookouts, or meal prep. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up quickly.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices creates a rich flavor that infuses the chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it hot off the grill or use leftovers in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, it’s ideal for many dietary plans.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook a batch and enjoy throughout the week without losing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Ziploc bag or plastic container
• Whisk
• Colander
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: The key to achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor.
• Ziploc Bag or Plastic Container: Essential for marinating the chicken evenly without mess.
• Whisk: Helps you combine the marinade ingredients thoroughly for better flavor infusion.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked safely to the perfect temperature.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Marinade

• 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

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim any visible fat from the chicken breasts. If some are thicker than others, trim them to ensure even cooking. Save scraps for homemade chicken stock.
2. Cut short shallow slits crosswise down each chicken breast to allow better marinade absorption.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

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

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken in a single layer in a Ziploc bag or a plastic container with a snap-tight lid.
2. Pour in the marinade and seal tightly. Refrigerate for at least 5-8 hours; turning occasionally if possible.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

1. When ready to cook, drain off the marinade using a colander. This prevents flare-ups on the grill.
2. Ensure your grill is clean; spray it with non-stick spray or brush with oil before preheating to medium-high.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

1. Lay each piece of chicken top side down on an angle to the grates and cook for 3-4 minutes.
2. Check for grill marks; if they look good, rotate each breast 90 degrees for criss-cross marks and cook another 3-4 minutes.
3. Flip the chicken over once good marks appear on both sides and grill for another 4-6 minutes or until cooked through (165F/74C).

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot right off the grill! This dish is also excellent as leftovers—perfect over salads or in wraps with avocado and salsa.

Enjoy your Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts!

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

Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want a light meal or something more filling, these serving suggestions will inspire your next meal.

On a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Toss the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
• Caesar Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it atop a classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken with avocado slices and fresh salsa for a refreshing low-carb meal.

With Low-Carb Pita Bread

• Pita Pockets: Stuff grilled chicken into low-carb pita bread, adding Tzatziki sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.

As Meal Prep

• Leftover Chicken: Refrigerate any leftovers to use throughout the week in various dishes like wraps or salads for quick meals.

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

Perfecting grilled chicken takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve juicy and flavorful results every time.

• Marinate Longer: Aim for at least 8 hours of marination for deeper flavor absorption; overnight is even better.
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: This ensures your chicken reaches the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
• Grill on Medium-High Heat: A hot grill sears the chicken quickly, locking in moisture while creating those beautiful grill marks.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute juices for better flavor.

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

Pairing side dishes with Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts enhances your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the flavors perfectly.

1. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds color and nutrition; simply toss with olive oil before grilling.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, and lemon dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted baby potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that pairs well with grilled chicken.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots brings crunch and acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
5. Garlic Bread: Slices of toasted garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any juices from the chicken while adding comfort to the meal.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter complements the savory flavors of the grilled chicken nicely; grill until tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the Marinade Time: Marinating for less than 5-6 hours can lead to bland chicken. Aim for at least 8 hours for deeper flavor.
• Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many chicken breasts on the grill can cause uneven cooking. Grill in batches for the best results.
• Neglecting Grill Temperature: Cooking on a grill that’s not preheated may lead to sticking or uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Ignoring Thickness: Cooking chicken of varying thickness can result in some pieces being overcooked while others are undercooked. Try to trim the chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
• Forgetting to Check Doneness: Not checking the internal temperature can lead to unsafe chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F/74C.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the chicken refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.

Freezing Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

• Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Label each bag with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover; heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth; cover and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries about Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are fully thawed before marinating.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165F/74C using a meat thermometer.

Can I customize the marinade?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other herbs or spices based on your taste preferences.

What sides go well with this grilled chicken?

Pair with grilled vegetables, salads, or rice dishes for a complete meal.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Garlic, Lemon, and Herb Grilled Chicken Breasts are not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Whether served hot off the grill or as leftovers in salads or wraps, this dish promises satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite herbs or spices!