Nothing beats a perfectly grilled chicken when it comes to a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal.

Grilled chicken is one of the easiest wins in our house. Our kids love grilled chicken chopped up and doused with lemon, so going all out with a lemon garlic chicken marinade is a no-brainer! 

I love using it for wraps, bowls, burritos, nachos, and on top of a salad. So I always double-batch this recipe and vacuum-seal the leftovers to store in the freezer for quick weeknight meals! 

This Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It combines the zesty tang of lemon with the savory depth of garlic. This is the best chicken marinade recipe for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner. This dish is both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade

Marinade:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. A good EVOO’s richness and fruitiness enhance the flavor and help the marinade penetrate the chicken better.
• 1/2 cup pure lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is A MUST for the best flavor. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare – it’s got a weird flavor to it. Plus, you can use the zest for an extra burst of lemon flavor.
• 1 head garlic, minced: The more garlic, the better, friend. Fresh garlic cloves deliver a robust and sharp flavor that infuses beautifully into the chicken. Avoid pre-minced garlic, as it often lacks the same punch. But I am a fan of the pre-peeled packs (use about 12 cloves if you go that route)
• 1 tablespoon salt: Use kosher salt for its pure, clean taste. Or, if you prefer, substitute with pink Himalayan or sea salt in equal amounts for a slightly different flavor profile and added minerals.
• 1/2 tablespoon pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is key here. Grinding your own ensures a vibrant and strong peppery kick.
• 1 tablespoon oregano: Dried oregano has a classic, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the lemon and garlic. If you have fresh oregano, chop it finely for a more potent taste!

Chicken:

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Go for organic or free-range chicken if possible. The quality of the meat makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Also, pounding the breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.

Garnishes:

• Fresh Italian parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs adds a bright, herby finish that complements the grilled chicken perfectly. It also adds a nice pop of color to the dish.
• Fresh lemon slices: These aren’t just for looks! Squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra zing right before serving.

Equipment needed for Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken 

To make the most out of your Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken, having the right equipment can make a world of difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Grill: Whether you use a gas grill or charcoal grill (Like a Weber Kettle), make sure it’s clean and well-maintained. For those looking to upgrade, I recommend the Weber Genesis Gas Grill. Its consistent heat distribution and durable build make it a fantastic investment for any home cook.
2. Garlic Press: There is A LOT of garlic in this recipe. Don’t waste your effort mincing by hand. I LOVE my DreamFarm Garject Garlic Press and I use it daily.
3. Instant-Read Thermometer: Achieving the perfect internal temperature of 160°F is crucial for juicy, fully-cooked chicken. An instant-read thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H is a must-have. It’s fast and super accurate and makes sure your chicken is cooked to perfection every time.
4. Ziploc Bags: Marinating your chicken in a Ziploc bag ensures even coverage and makes cleanup a breeze. I prefer using Ziploc Gallon Storage Bags for their durability and reliable seal.
5. Tongs: For safe and easy handling of the chicken on the grill, a good pair of tongs is essential. The Weber Precision Tongs provide excellent grip and are long enough to keep your hands safe from the heat.
6. Basting Brush: Applying extra marinade or brushing on additional olive oil while grilling is the key to juicy chicken. The RWM Silicone Basting Brush is heat-resistant and easy to clean, making it perfect for the job.
7. Cutting Board and Knife: Ensuring the chicken breasts are trimmed and prepped properly is crucial. A sturdy cutting board like the John Boos Maple Wood Cutting Board and a sharp chef’s knife such as the Dalstrong Chef’s Knife are great additions.

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How to Make Lemon Garlic Marinated Grilled Chicken 

This is an easy lemon garlic chicken recipe that you’re going to want to make over and over again. Here’s how to put it together:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) (vegetable oil works too if in a bind), 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1 head garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or pink Himalayan salt), 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon dried oregano. Mix well to ensure all marinade ingredients are thoroughly combined. This lemon garlic chicken marinade will infuse the chicken with a zesty, aromatic flavor perfect for grilling.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken into a large Ziploc bag. Pour the lemon garlic marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag, remove as much air as possible, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours to allow the lemon flavor and garlic to penetrate the meat thoroughly. Marinating overnight is also an option for an even deeper flavor.

3. Preheat the Grill:

Heat your gas grill to medium-high heat, approximately 350-400°F (175-200°C). Ensuring your grill is at the right temperature is crucial for achieving juicy chicken with a beautifully seared exterior. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to create even heat distribution. Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Remove the chicken breasts from the Ziploc bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill grates (if skin-on, place it skin-side down), making sure not to move it too much to get nice grill marks.

Grill over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Avoid pressing down on the chicken with your tongs, as this can release the juices and dry out the meat.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped Italian parsley and fresh lemon slices for added flavor and a pop of color. If desired, squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice over the top.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken

• Uniform Thickness: Pound those chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This way, they cook evenly on the grill, and you won’t have some pieces overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Marinade Time: The longer you marinate, the better the flavor. But keep it under 24 hours—lemon juice can start to break down the meat fibers and make it mushy if left too long.
• Grill Preparation: Make sure your grill is hot before you throw the chicken on. A properly preheated grill will sear the chicken, locking in all those delicious juices and giving you a perfect crust.
• Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before you slice it up. This lets the juices redistribute, so every bite is nice and juicy.
• Flavor Variations: Looking to snazz things up a bit? Add some lemon zest to the marinade for an extra citrus kick. You can also sprinkle on some Italian seasoning or dried herbs before grilling to boost the flavor even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creative Ways to Use Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken

 This Lemon chicken recipe is not just a main dish served up with some grilled veggies and some potatoes. Here are some easy weeknight ideas to give you a quick win: 

Chicken Wraps: Slice the grilled chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with fresh veggies, avocado, and your favorite dressing for a quick and tasty lunch.

Chicken Bowls: Build a nutritious bowl with a base of quinoa or rice, add the sliced chicken, and top with roasted veggies, black beans, and a drizzle of lime crema.

Chicken Burritos: Roll the chicken with rice, beans, cheese, and salsa in a large tortilla for a hearty burrito. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and freezing for later.

Chicken Nachos: Top a tray of tortilla chips with diced chicken, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and bake until the cheese melts. Finish with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Chicken Salad: Grilled chicken is a great addition to a fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad. The lemon garlic flavor pairs well with a variety of dressings.

This is one of my favorite marinade recipes, and I hope you give this one a whirl. It’s super versatile, easy to prep, and one of the best lemon chicken marinade recipes in my arsenal!