it’s a sunny Memorial Day afternoon, and the smell of sizzling grilled lemon herb chicken wafts through the air like a delicious love letter from the universe. Juicy, tender pieces of chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice and fresh herbs just waiting to be devoured. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing as you take that first bite; it’s a party of flavors that screams summer!
Ah, memories of family barbecues come flooding back. I remember when my uncle tried to impress everyone by flipping burgers like a grill master but ended up with more smoke than sizzle. Amidst the chaos, we discovered this easy yet incredible Memorial Day grilled lemon herb chicken recipe—a true crowd-pleaser that even my uncle couldn’t mess up! You’ll want to save this one for your next outdoor gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This mouthwatering Memorial Day grilled lemon herb chicken is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for oven baking or pan-searing
- Ideal for all ages and sure to impress your guests!
I once made this dish for friends during a backyard barbecue; their delighted faces were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry guests are joining.
- Fresh Lemons: Use ripe lemons for maximum juiciness—those bright yellow beauties will elevate your marinade!
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for robust flavor; they’ll add that aromatic punch you crave.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Thyme): Opt for fresh herbs instead of dried; they bring vibrancy and freshness to the dish.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness—don’t skimp on flavor here!
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings; they help bring out all those flavors in the chicken.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some zest from those lemons for an extra zing; it’s like sunshine in flavor form!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and zest until well combined. The aroma will transport you straight to flavor heaven!
Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts into the marinade. Ensure each piece is coated generously—let them soak up all that zesty goodness for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re feeling adventurous).
Preheat Your Grill: Fire up your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat (around 375°F). You want it hot enough to achieve those beautiful grill marks without burning.
Add the Chicken to Grill: Place marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Keep an eye on them—they’ll be ready when they start smelling irresistible!
Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice Over Chicken: Just before removing from the grill, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over each piece. This adds an extra layer of brightness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This helps keep it juicy as you prepare to serve your masterpiece!
Enjoy every bite of this delightful Memorial Day grilled lemon herb chicken as you gather around with friends and family—it’s bound to become a cherished tradition at your summer BBQs!
You Must Know
- This delightful Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe is not just a flavor explosion; it’s perfect for easy summer gatherings
- The zesty aroma fills the air while grilling, creating an inviting atmosphere
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with any side dish you fancy!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours to enhance flavor. Grill on medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs based on your preference. Dill or thyme can bring unique flavors, making it your own creation.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to retain juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for maximum flavor impact
- Marinating overnight intensifies the taste, so plan ahead!
- Don’t rush on the grill; let the chicken develop those gorgeous grill marks for better texture and flavor
Memorial Day is synonymous with backyard barbeques, and I still remember the first time I grilled this chicken for friends. Their expressions of delight were priceless—who knew such simple ingredients could bring so much joy?
FAQ
What is the best way to marinate chicken?
Marinate for a minimum of two hours or overnight for more intense flavors.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and grilling for best results.
Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful dish that brings summer gatherings to life. Juicy, grilled chicken marinated in zesty lemon and fresh herbs will delight your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
- Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
- Feel free to experiment with herbs like dill or oregano for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 284
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 234 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg