Bring a burst of fresh flavors to your table with our Citrus Zest Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Herb Marinade! This recipe features chicken breasts that are marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, herbs, and spices, then grilled to perfection. It's a light, zesty dish that's perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding marinating time)
Servings and Serving Size
- Yields 4 servings
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 4
- Olive oil - ¼ cup
- Lemon juice - 3 tablespoons
- Lemon zest - 1 tablespoon
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons
- Fresh thyme, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon
- Garlic, minced - 3 cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Method of Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably longer.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Marinate the chicken for as long as possible for deeper flavor.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated before cooking the chicken.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Serve with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or over a bed of rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
Can I cook the chicken in a pan?
Absolutely, if grilling isn't an option, pan-sear the chicken in a hot skillet.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Your Citrus Zest Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Herb Marinade are ready to delight! Enjoy the tantalizing flavors and the aroma of fresh herbs and lemon, which make each bite a refreshing and satisfying experience. This dish is perfect for a light yet flavorful dinner that is sure to impress your family and friends!