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The most tender quick marinated lemon herb chicken makes for the perfect meal. Elevate any meal with this chicken, it’s tender, flavorful and perfect for spring and summer with the bright citrus notes. Paired with some white rice and fresh grilled veggies you will love this meal all year long. The list goes on and on. I love the combination of fresh citrus and cracked black pepper. It’s a wonderful marriage for so many proteins. Try my Lemon Pepper Salmon.
Ingredient Notes
All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card towards the bottom of this post.
All other ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card towards the bottom of this post.
- Chicken Breasts. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts but you can also use thighs.
- Lemon. Fresh lemon is the key to success in this recipe. Zest and juice will be used.
- Fresh Black Pepper. Fresh cracked black pepper is best.
- Onion. Fresh onion is used to marinade the chicken. You have the option to bake or grill it with the chicken.
- Garlic. This is to season the chicken.
- Olive Oil. This is to marinate and coat the chicken (it helps the lemon zest and pepper stick to the chicken breasts).
- Sides. I pair mine with seasonal veggies (aspargus for example) and some white rice. but you can pair it with several sides!
Steps To Make This Recipe
Ready to cook up lemon herb chicken? Let me walk you through the recipe. For your convenience, there is a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Step One. Place your chicken breasts or thighs in large mixing bowl or a gallon Ziplock bag with all ingredients for the Lemon Herb Marinade. Mis the chicken well so everything is evenly coated and cover or seal the bag, squeezing out any excess air. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours (The more marinade time the better!)
- Grill or sauté your chicken depending on your preference. Both instructions are included below.
- For the grill: Remove each chicken breast or thigh from the marinade place on a hot grill or grill pan over medium heat, discard any leftover marinade. Grill 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until fully done and reaching 165º internally. Cooking time may increase depending on the size of the chicken breast (Juices should run clear.)
- If cooking on the stovetop: Add 1 Tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet on the stove. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add each chicken breast to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on chicken breasts sizes it should ready 165º internally to be fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken hot off the grill with a side of roasted veggies and a slice of lemon. Garnish with fresh herbs of choice. I typically do chopped chives.
Recipe Pairings
Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs great with fresh seasonal veggies and rice of any variety. If you want to really making it a filling meal, I have some suggestions.
- Lemon Kale Caesar Salad, Roasted Red Pepper Salad or Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad would be lovely.
- Veggie loaded sides like, Grilled Zucchini Salad, Spicy Cucumber Salad, or Honey Roasted Carrots all make great sides.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Always use a digital thermometer for the best cooked chicken.
- Taste as you go. You may want extra lemon zest and pepper.
- Add your favorite seasonings to the chicken. Lemon pepper is versatile. Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, even dried basil would be great.
- If you want an extra “oomph” of flavor, brush a little soy sauce on the finished chicken before serving. YUM.
Other Chicken Recipes TO Try
Lemon Herb Chicken
The most tender quick marinated lemon herb chicken makes for the perfect meal. Elevate any meal with this chicken, it’s tender, flavorful and perfect for spring and summer with the bright citrus notes.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- lemon zester or microplane
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken breasts, boneless/skinless
Lemon Herb Marinade
- ¼ Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp lemon zest , one lemon
- ⅓ cup lemon juice, fresh squeezed , More as needed. About 2 lemons
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp each salt & pepper
- 1 Tbsp dried thyme
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp each garlic & onion powder
- fresh chives, chopped , for garnish
Optional Sides
- roasted potatoes & broccoli
- grilled asparagus
- long grain white rice
Instructions
- Place your chicken breasts or thighs in large mixing bowl or a gallon Ziplock bag with all ingredients for the Lemon Herb Marinade.
- Mix the chicken well so everything is evenly coated and cover or seal the bag, squeezing out any excess air. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours (The more marinade time the better!)
- Grill or sauté your chicken depending on your preference. Both instructions are included below.
- For the grill:Remove each chicken breast or thigh from the marinade place on a hot grill or grill pan over medium heat, discard any leftover marinade. Grill 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until fully done and reaching 165º internally. Cooking time may increase depending on the size of the chicken breast (Juices should run clear.)
- If cooking on the stovetop: Add 1 Tablespoons of olive oil to a skillet on the stove. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add each chicken breast to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on chicken breasts sizes it should ready 165º internally to be fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken hot off the grill with a side of roasted veggies and a slice of lemon. Garnish with fresh herbs of choice. I typically do chopped chives.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Always use a digital thermometer for the best cooked chicken.
- For the BEST juicy chicken, marinate for up to 24 hours. But really you can’t go wrong.
- Add your favorite seasonings to the chicken. Lemon pepper is versatile. Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, even dried basil would be great.
- If you want an extra “oomph” of flavor, brush a little soy sauce on the finished chicken before serving. YUM.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 chicken breast | Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 900mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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One of my favorite chicken recipes – I hope you all enjoy.