This Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken is juicy and full of flavor! The zesty lemon and spicy pepper give it a delicious kick that makes it a perfect meal any day of the week.
Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because leftovers make awesome sandwiches. Just imagine tangy chicken on a bun—yum! I love serving it with a side of veggies for a colorful plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling due to their lean nature. If you prefer dark meat, consider using chicken thighs. They remain juicy even when cooked a bit longer.
Olive Oil: This helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a nice flavor. If you want a different taste, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well, too.
Lemon: Fresh lemons offer the brightest flavor. If you don’t have lemons, lime juice can be a good substitute but will give a different flavor profile.
Cracked Black Pepper: This adds a kick, but if you prefer something milder, you could use white pepper or even omit it altogether.
Herbs: Thyme or rosemary adds depth, but if you lack those, Italian seasoning or even parsley can brighten it up!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken juicy, marinating is key! Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but aim for 1-2 hours if you have the time. This allows the flavors to really soak in.
- Mix olive oil, lemon zest, juice, pepper, garlic powder, herbs, and salt in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken well and let it sit in the refrigerator.
- Remember to preheat your grill for even cooking. A hot grill seals in juices and gets those beautiful grill marks!
After grilling, always let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, giving you tender chicken every time. Enjoy every bite!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
- Lemon slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare plus an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating. Grill time is around 10-14 minutes, so you can enjoy delicious Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken in about 1 hour total, allowing for the marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and optional herbs and salt. This mixture will marinate our chicken and add tons of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the delicious marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and pop it in the refrigerator. Aim for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle, but if you have more time, letting it sit for 1-2 hours is even better!
3. Preheat and Prepare to Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Before grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent your chicken from sticking. This keeps everything nice and easy when you flip the chicken.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once ready, take the chicken out of the marinade and give it a little shake to remove excess marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and you see lovely grill marks forming.
5. Let the Chicken Rest:
After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices inside the chicken!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your grilled chicken with some fresh parsley or thyme if you’d like, and serve with lemon slices on the side for an extra citrusy kick.
7. Optional Sides:
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, consider serving your delicious grilled chicken alongside grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and a fresh bed of lettuce for a delightful complete meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before marinating. A quick way to thaw is to place the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about an hour.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. If you’re in a pinch, even 15 minutes will work, but it won’t be as flavorful!
Can I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain tenderness.
What Can I Serve with Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a side of rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with lemon slices and herbs for added flavor and presentation!
