This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every season. It’s bursting with fresh flavors from lemon, rosemary, and thyme, perfectly tender thanks to a simple marinade, and impossibly juicy with every bite. Not only is it delightfully easy to prepare, but the bright, Mediterranean-inspired blend of herbs and citrus makes this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknights, summer cookouts, and everything in between!

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what you’ll need for this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken. Each ingredient is intentionally chosen to build layers of flavor and create that irresistible aroma you crave from a great grilled dish. These aren’t fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—just fresh, simple staples that work together to elevate your poultry game.

Chicken: Choose 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juicy, tender results; both cuts work beautifully in this recipe.
Olive oil: 1/4 cup acts as the backbone of the marinade, keeping the chicken moist and enriching the flavor with velvety richness.
Fresh lemon juice: 3 tablespoons of zippy, bright citrus juice help tenderize the meat and infuse every bite with summery freshness.
Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon adds a deep, citrusy perfume that intensifies the lemony essence without added liquid.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, bring a savory, punchy undertone that balances the lemon and herbs.
Fresh rosemary: 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried) gives woodsy, aromatic notes that complement grilled meats so well.
Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried) offers earthiness and a hint of mint that keeps the dish light and vibrant.
Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon lends a gentle tang and helps emulsify the marinade, coating the chicken evenly.
Salt: 3/4 teaspoon enhances all the flavors and works with the lemon to amplify tenderness.
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon adds the perfect finishing touch of warmth and depth to the seasoning blend.

How to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade

In a medium bowl or a large resealable bag, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Take a second to breathe in the zesty, herbaceous aroma—it sets the tone for just how bright and inviting your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is about to be!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces right into your marinade, making sure each one is coated in all those delicious flavors. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though a 2–4 hour soak is even better for maximum tenderness and taste. If you’re prepping ahead, you can let it marinate overnight for an extra infusion of flavor!

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Grill

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, so you get those gorgeous grill marks without flare-ups.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Lay the marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a beautiful golden char and juicy interior—use a thermometer to check for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). The sizzle, the aroma, the color: this is where Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken really shines.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer your chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This crucial step locks in all those wonderful juices, giving you the most succulent slices. Now you’re ready to slice and enjoy—whether you keep it classic or get creative with sides and garnishes.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with a scatter of fresh chopped herbs, a twist of lemon, or even a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The fresh herbs double down on flavor, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving makes everything pop. If you’re after something extra, a few shavings of parmesan or crumbled feta on top never hurt!

Side Dishes

There’s so much flexibility here! Pair this chicken with fluffy rice pilaf, a lively Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or even grilled corn. For a lighter option, try a bed of leafy greens tossed with simple vinaigrette or a chilled orzo salad. The zestiness of Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken pairs especially well with Mediterranean-inspired sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Besides serving whole, try slicing the chicken and layering it over grilled flatbreads, stuffing into pita pockets with tzatziki, or topping a grain bowl loaded with cucumbers and tomatoes. This versatile main is also stellar in wraps, or spooned over herby quinoa with a dollop of hummus for lunchboxes and meal prep.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken stays wonderfully juicy and flavorful for a few days. Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches, salads, or even a speedy protein snack on the go.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly or store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. To help preserve that fresh flavor and texture, slice before freezing—this way it thaws and reheats evenly, practically begging to be tossed into last-minute meals.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, until warmed through. You can also use the microwave in short bursts. Avoid overcooking, as you want to keep the chicken moist and tender, just like when it first came off the grill.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken thighs and breasts work perfectly for Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken. Thighs tend to be juicier, and they’re more forgiving on the grill if you’re worried about overcooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though 2–4 hours is ideal. You can leave it overnight if needed; the lemon and herbs only improve with time and make the chicken even more tender.

Is there a way to add more heat to this recipe?

Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade if you prefer a little spice. It won’t overpower the herbs and lemon, but will warm things up nicely.

Can I cook this chicken indoors?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, simply use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. You’ll still get gorgeous sear marks and that irresistible grilled flavor for your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken.

What other herbs can I use?

While rosemary and thyme are classic, feel free to experiment with fresh oregano, parsley, or basil. Mixing up the herbs allows you to tweak the flavor profile and keep each batch of Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken feeling new and exciting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bright, herby, and endlessly versatile, you can’t go wrong with Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken. It’s one of those dishes that feels special, yet is refreshingly simple to pull together. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly earns a spot in your regular rotation—your taste buds (and family!) will thank you.