Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook this chicken in a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat, or bake it in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and are actually more forgiving on the grill. They'll need about the same cooking time but stay juicier.

Is it possible to marinate the chicken too long?

Yes, because of the acidic lemon juice, I don't recommend marinating longer than 8 hours as the acid can start breaking down the protein too much, resulting in a mushy texture.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just give it a good shake or stir before using.

Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe

Name: Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3–4 cloves minced garlic; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Description

A quick and flavorful grilled chicken recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple marinade infuses the chicken breasts with zesty lemon, savory herbs, and garlic for a tender and juicy result. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes for a mouthwatering meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the marinade:

1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3–4 cloves minced garlic

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

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Instructions

Prepare the marinade.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until well combined.
Marinate the chicken.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Prepare the grill.
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken.
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Rest and serve.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili flakes to the marinade.
This recipe works well with chicken thighs or drumsticks, but adjust grilling time accordingly.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg