Perfectly Grilled Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs
Juicy, tender, and bursting with fresh flavor, perfectly grilled chicken breasts with garlic, lemon, and herbs are a timeless favorite.
This recipe uses a simple marinade and proven grilling technique to guarantee golden char marks on the outside and moist, flavorful chicken on the inside—every single time.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect
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Prevents dry chicken with a balanced lemon-herb marinade
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Uses fresh, simple ingredients
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Perfect for grilling season or year-round
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Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and entertaining
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Naturally healthy and protein-rich
Ingredients
Chicken
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
Garlic Lemon Herb Marinade
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¼ cup olive oil
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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¾ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Perfectly Grilled Chicken Breasts
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Pro Tip: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent grilling.
3. Preheat the Grill
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Preheat grill to medium-high (375–425°F / 190–220°C)
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Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking
4. Grill the Chicken
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Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off
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Grill 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once
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Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
👉 Avoid pressing down on the chicken—this keeps it juicy.
5. Rest & Finish
Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pro Tips for Juicy Grilled Chicken
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Let chicken sit at room temperature 10 minutes before grilling
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Use a thermometer for perfect doneness
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Flip only once to develop beautiful grill marks
Flavor Variations
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Mediterranean: Add lemon zest, oregano, and feta topping
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Spicy Herb: Add chili flakes or cayenne
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Garlic Lover’s: Add 1–2 extra cloves of garlic
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Honey Lemon: Add 1 tablespoon honey to marinade
What to Serve With Grilled Chicken
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Sliced for wraps, bowls, or sandwiches
Storage & Meal Prep
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Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
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Freezer (cooked): Up to 3 months
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Reheat gently to preserve moisture
Final Thoughts
This recipe proves that perfectly grilled chicken breasts don’t require complicated steps—just quality ingredients, smart marinating, and proper heat. The bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and savory garlic create a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly versatile.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1¾ pounds total)
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1-1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, from one lemon
Place chicken breasts between 2 pieces of wax paper and, using a meat mallet, pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
Mix all ingredients except chicken together in a 1 gallon zip-lock bag. Add chicken breasts and massage marinade into meat until evenly coated.
Clean grill and preheat to high.
Perfectly Grilled Chicken Breasts with Garlic, Lemon & Herbs Video :






