Let’s be honest for a second. The daily question of what to make for dinner can feel like a huge challenge. We all want something delicious and satisfying, but without spending hours in the kitchen. I get it. That’s why I am so excited to share one of my all time favorite easy dinner recipes with you.
This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a total lifesaver. It relies on simple, fresh ingredients to create a dish that is bursting with bright flavor. It is one of those fantastic easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will love. So let’s get cooking!
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this recipe. First off, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme creates a taste that is both refreshing and comforting. It’s a classic pairing that never fails to impress.
Another huge plus is its simplicity. This is truly one of those easy food recipes that anyone can make. The marinade comes together in just a few minutes with basic ingredients. You just mix, marinate, and grill. That’s it! It is a great choice for beginner cooks who want to build their confidence in the kitchen.
It’s also incredibly versatile. This chicken is wonderful on its own, maybe with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. But you can also slice it up and add it to wraps, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. The leftovers are fantastic for meal prepping, giving you more quick dinner ideas for the rest of the week.
And let’s talk about the chicken itself. We use chicken thighs, which stay wonderfully juicy and tender on the grill. They soak up the marinade beautifully, ensuring every single bite is packed with flavor. It is a forgiving cut of meat, making it a great option for those new to grilling.
This is the kind of meal that feels special enough for a weekend barbecue with friends but is simple enough for any Tuesday night. It is proof that easy dinner recipes do not have to be boring. They can be vibrant, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this dish is short and sweet. We are focusing on fresh, high quality components to let the natural flavors shine through. You likely have many of these items in your pantry and fridge already.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh thyme and fresh rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you beautifully grilled chicken every single time. It is one of the easiest easy weeknight dinners you will ever make. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Make The Marinade
First things first, let’s create that amazing marinade. Grab a small bowl or even a glass jar with a lid. This is where the magic starts. Pour in the olive oil and the fresh lemon juice.
Next, add the minced garlic, the chopped fresh herbs, and the lemon zest. Don’t forget a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should look slightly creamy and smell absolutely divine.
Step 2: Prepare The Chicken
Now it’s time to introduce the chicken to its flavorful bath. Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a large sealable plastic bag. I often use a bag because it makes cleanup a little easier.
Pour most of the lemon herb marinade over the chicken. Here is a little tip I swear by: reserve a small amount of the marinade. Set it aside to brush over the chicken while it’s grilling. This adds an extra layer of flavor right at the end.
Step 3: Marinate The Chicken
Once the chicken is coated in the marinade, seal the bag or cover the dish. Place it in the refrigerator to let all those wonderful flavors soak in. You will want to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
A word of caution: don’t marinate it for too long! The acid from the lemon juice will start to break down the texture of the chicken if left for more than two hours. So, 30 minutes to two hours is the sweet spot for this recipe.
Step 4: Grill The Chicken
When you are ready to cook, heat your grill or a grill pan over medium heat. It’s important to let it get properly hot. Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. No one wants to lose that beautiful crust!
Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard the leftover marinade that the raw chicken was in. Place the chicken on the hot grill. You should hear a satisfying sizzle.
Grill the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken thighs. It should be cooked through and no longer pink inside. The most reliable way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the last couple of minutes of grilling, you can brush the chicken with that reserved marinade for an extra pop of flavor. This is one of my favorite parts of making easy dinner recipes like this one.
Step 5: Rest The Chicken
This step is so important! Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board or plate. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before you slice into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it incredibly moist and tender.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the chicken to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
Leftover chicken is a fantastic starting point for more quick dinner ideas. You can slice it and put it on top of a salad for a healthy lunch, shred it for tacos or wraps, or dice it and add it to a simple pasta dish. It makes meal planning for the week so much easier.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few tips I’ve picked up. While I recommend chicken thighs for their juiciness, you can certainly use chicken breasts. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as breasts can cook faster and are more prone to drying out.
Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. A good rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of dried herbs for every one tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in a recipe. It’s a great pantry friendly swap.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully. You can also cook the chicken in a cast iron skillet or even bake it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 to 25 minutes. There are many ways to enjoy these easy food recipes.
For serving, the options are endless. This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, a simple quinoa salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice. It is a main dish that complements almost any side you can think of.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A straightforward, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying chicken dinner. This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken proves that easy dinner recipes can be exciting and full of fresh taste. It is a dependable recipe that I come back to again and again.
I hope you give this one a try the next time you need some inspiration for easy weeknight dinners. It is a wonderful way to bring a little bit of sunshine to your dinner table. I would love to hear how it turns out for you!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too. They are leaner, so be sure to watch them closely on the grill to avoid overcooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on their thickness.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, this is a great recipe to prep ahead. You can make the marinade up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also marinate the chicken in the morning so it’s ready to grill for dinner.
What Can I Serve With This Lemon Herb Chicken?
This chicken is very versatile. It is delicious with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, a side of rice or quinoa, or a simple garden salad. It also pairs nicely with grilled corn on the cob.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, it is! All of the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten free, making it a wonderful option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s a simple, wholesome meal everyone can enjoy.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
A flavorful and easy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken, perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with simple, fresh ingredients, it’s a juicy and tender dish the whole family will enjoy.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a large mixing bowl or glass jar. Pour in the organic olive oil and the fresh lemon juice. Next, add the minced softneck garlic, the chopped fresh herbs, and the lemon zest. Add a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. The mixture should look slightly creamy and smell divine.
- Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a large sealable plastic bag. Pour most of the lemon herb marinade over the chicken. Reserve a small amount of the marinade to brush over the chicken while it’s grilling.
- Once the chicken is coated, seal the bag or cover the dish. Place it in the refrigerator to let all those wonderful flavors soak in. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but not more than two hours.
- When ready to cook, heat your grill or a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until cooked through and no longer pink inside. The most reliable way to check is with a digital meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. During the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with that reserved marinade for an extra pop of flavor.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board or plate. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before you slice into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it incredibly moist and tender.
Notes
Allow cooked chicken to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Leftovers are excellent for salads, tacos, or pasta.
Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs; adjust cooking time to prevent drying. Fresh herbs are best, but you can substitute 1 tsp dried for every 1 Tbsp fresh.
If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or bake in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
