Description
This Lemon BBQ Grilled Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated boneless skinless chicken breasts infused with a tangy lemon and herb marinade, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick, flavorful dinner, this dish combines zesty lemon juice with a blend of aromatic spices to create a deliciously bright and savory meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Whisk together vegetable or canola oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, dried basil, onion powder, crushed dried thyme leaves, and garlic powder in a bowl until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts inside a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Lightly pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even thickness. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Place the sealed bag with marinated chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate overnight to absorb the flavors deeply.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the chicken from the marinade about one hour before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature. Discard any remaining marinade.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF and are cooked through.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but not overdone.
- If a grill is not available, the chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or under a broiler as alternatives.
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking.
- Discard the marinade after removing the chicken to avoid contamination.
