Grilled Lemony Chicken

Why You Will Love This Grilled Lemony Chicken

This refreshing Grilled Lemony Chicken is the perfect balance of bright citrus flavors and earthy herbs. Whether you are meal-prepping for the week or hosting a light summer dinner, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal active time.

Preparing Your Grilled Lemony Chicken Marinade

The secret to perfectly tender Grilled Lemony Chicken is allowing the citrus and thyme to deeply penetrate the meat. Giving it a full 6 hours in the refrigerator ensures every bite is juicy and packed with zest.

How to Serve Grilled Lemony Chicken

Serving this dish over a crisp bed of fresh Romaine lettuce and sweet julienned carrots adds the perfect textural crunch. The rich nut sauce elegantly complements the sharp, bright notes of the Grilled Lemony Chicken.

Recipe: Fresh & Juicy Grilled Lemony Chicken

Yields: 2 Servings Total Time: 6 Hours 25 Minutes Prep Time: 6 Hours 15 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients

1. 1.0 pound (16 oz / 450g) boneless and skinless chicken breasts, halved
2. 1.5 tsp. (0.05 oz / 1.5g) freshly minced thyme leaves
3. 0.5 tsp. (0.04 oz / 1g) freshly ground black pepper
4. 0.33 cups (2.7 oz / 75g) extra virgin olive oil
5. 0.33 cups (2.8 oz / 80g) freshly squeezed lemon juice
6. 1.0 tsp. (0.2 oz / 6g) sea salt
7. 2.0 large carrots (5 oz / 140g), julienned or grated
8. 1.0 head Romaine lettuce (10.5 oz / 300g), bottom chiffonade leaves removed
9. 0.5 cups (4 oz / 115g) prepared Nut Sauce

Directions

1. Whisk together the 0.33 cups (2.7 oz / 75g) extra virgin olive oil, 0.33 cups (2.8 oz / 80g) freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1.5 tsp. (0.05 oz / 1.5g) minced thyme, 1.0 tsp. (0.2 oz / 6g) sea salt, and 0.5 tsp. (0.04 oz / 1g) black pepper in a medium bowl to make the marinade.
2. Place the 1.0 pound (16 oz / 450g) halved chicken breasts into a glass baking dish; pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
3. When ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the marinated chicken for about 5.0 to 10.0 minutes per side, or until completely cooked through and opaque in the center.
4. Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest and cool slightly on a cutting board, then cut it into small, even slices.
5. To serve, arrange the 1.0 head (10.5 oz / 300g) of prepared romaine lettuce on a large platter and top evenly with the 2.0 (5 oz / 140g) julienned carrots.
6. Place the sliced Grilled Lemony Chicken over the fresh vegetables and drizzle with the 0.5 cups (4 oz / 115g) of nut sauce right before serving.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and account for the fact that a significant portion of the olive oil marinade is discarded after the chicken is removed.

• Calories: 635 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 60g
• Fat: 35g

Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Lemony Chicken

As a chef, I want to make sure your chicken turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful every single time. Keep these expert tips in mind:

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Before marinating, gently pound the chicken breast halves to a uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking on the grill and prevents the thinner ends from drying out before the thickest part is cooked through.
• Mind the Marinating Time: While 6 hours is the sweet spot for the citrus and herbs to penetrate the meat, do not exceed 12 hours. The high acidity of the freshly squeezed lemon juice will begin to break down the proteins, resulting in a mushy texture.
• Oil Your Grill Grates: Extra virgin olive oil in the marinade helps, but to get those beautiful, distinct grill marks without tearing the meat, make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled right before placing the chicken down.
• Let It Rest: Always allow your Grilled Lemony Chicken to rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than spilling out onto your cutting board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I meal-prep this Grilled Lemony Chicken ahead of time? Absolutely! This is an excellent healthy chicken recipe for meal prep. You can grill the chicken and chop the Romaine lettuce and carrots up to 3 days in advance. Store the chicken, salad mix, and nut sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble them right before eating to keep the vegetables crisp.

How long should I marinate chicken in lemon juice? For this recipe, 6 hours is ideal to achieve maximum flavor. You can safely marinate it for as little as 2 hours if you are short on time, but try not to leave it in the citrus marinade for longer than 12 hours, as the lemon juice will negatively alter the texture of the chicken.

What can I use as a substitute if I am allergic to the nut sauce? If you need an allergy-friendly alternative to the nut sauce, a creamy tahini-based dressing or a sunflower seed butter sauce works beautifully. Both options provide a similar rich, earthy flavor profile that perfectly complements the bright, citrusy notes of the chicken and the crunch of the fresh salad.

Do I have to use an outdoor grill for this recipe? Not at all. While an outdoor grill adds a wonderful smoky char, you can easily make this recipe indoors. Simply use a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).