Menu
Grilled Lemon Chicken Grilled Lemon Chicken
Lemon Barbecued Chicken Lemon Barbecued Chicken
Grilled Lemon-Basil Chicken Grilled Lemon-Basil Chicken
Baked Lemon Chicken Baked Lemon Chicken
Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Lemon-Roasted Chicken Lemon-Roasted Chicken
Lemon Chicken Bake Lemon Chicken Bake
Crispy Lemon-Fried Chicken Crispy Lemon-Fried Chicken
Grilled Lime Chicken Grilled Lime Chicken
Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken
Lemon-Lime Chicken Lemon-Lime Chicken
Dad's Lemony Grilled Chicken Dad's Lemony Grilled Chicken
Easy Chicken Barbecue Easy Chicken Barbecue
Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken
Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken Honey-Lime Grilled Chicken
Chicken with Lemon Sauce Chicken with Lemon Sauce
Seasoned Lemon Chicken Seasoned Lemon Chicken
Easy Fried Chicken Easy Fried Chicken
Lemon Teriyaki Chicken Lemon Teriyaki Chicken
Lemon-Pepper Chicken Lemon-Pepper Chicken

Easy Grilled Lemon Chicken

16 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + marinating Grill: 10 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: May. 20, 2023
There’s one word to describe this grilled lemon chicken recipe: "Yum!" It’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, then fire up the grill when we get home from church on Sunday. Guests love the citrus flavor! —Heather Erb, Milton, Pennsylvania
Next Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. Pour 1/3 cup marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add the chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for up to 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade.
  2. Drain and discard marinade. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165°, basting occasionally with reserved marinade.

Easy Grilled Lemon Chicken Tips

Can you use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this grilled lemon chicken recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe! In fact, they’re easier for beginner grillers, because they’re harder to overcook. Try more of our grilled chicken recipes to practice!

What other ingredients can you add to grilled lemon chicken for more flavor?

Chopped fresh herbs like basil or tarragon would be delicious with this grilled lemon chicken. Make a classic Mediterranean recipe by adding chopped roasted red peppers, cubed feta cheese or olives, or make extra marinade to toss with chilled pasta as a side.

How can you avoid drying out the lemon chicken while grilling?

Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Because chicken breasts are naturally low in fat, they tend to dry out more easily. So, keep a careful eye on the grill and make sure not to cook the chicken any more than necessary. Or, reach for chicken thighs instead: the ease of grilling is just one more reason to buy chicken thighs.

How do you store grilled lemon chicken?

Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then promptly refrigerate in a covered container and use within three days. Or, freeze the leftovers for longer storage. Our ultimate guide to freezing food can help!

—Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 258 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat.