The scent of fresh herbs sizzling on the grill is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine juicy chicken breasts marinated in zesty lemon juice and fragrant rosemary, grilling away as you gather with friends and family. This is what Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is all about – a dish that promises summer flavors and good times with every bite.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How long should I marinate Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken?
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- What sides go well with grilled lemon herb chicken?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Memorial Day isn’t just a day off; it’s a celebration of memories shared over delicious food. Picture yourself at a backyard barbecue, laughter filling the air as you serve up this vibrant dish that steals the show. The combination of tangy lemon and earthy herbs makes this grilled chicken not just a meal but an experience that brings people together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This scrumptious lemon herb marinade elevates simple grilled chicken into a flavor explosion everyone will crave.
- Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for busy summer evenings or leisurely weekend barbecues.
- The bright colors and enticing aromas create an inviting atmosphere at any gathering.
- Ideal for serving with salads or sides for a complete meal.
One summer evening, I made this dish for my family’s annual barbecue. Everyone raved about it! My cousin even tried to sneak away leftovers – he claims it’s “the best grilled chicken ever.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts for the juiciest results; smaller pieces cook faster and are easier to handle.
- Fresh Lemons: Look for bright yellow lemons; they have the juiciest flesh and most vibrant flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for maximum aroma; crushed garlic releases more essential oils than chopped.
- Fresh Rosemary: Opt for vibrant green rosemary sprigs; they add a fragrant touch that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it enhances the marinade’s richness while keeping the chicken moist.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp on seasoning! These basics elevate all other flavors in your dish.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh zest adds an intense citrus punch; ensure you only take the yellow part of the peel.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (or longer if desired)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined. This aromatic mixture is your secret weapon!
Prepare the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over them and seal or cover tightly. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least one hour.
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Ensure grates are clean by scraping them with a grill brush – nobody likes sticking chicken!
Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and discard leftover liquid. Place on the hot grill and cook each side for about 6-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Add Zesty Finish : In the final minute of grilling, brush on some reserved marinade to enhance flavor. Take care not to let it touch raw meat – we want safety first!
Rest and Serve : Once cooked through, remove from heat and let rest for five minutes before slicing. This ensures juiciness remains intact while serving.
Enjoy this delightful Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with your favorite sides like coleslaw or grilled vegetables!
This recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that captures summer’s essence in every bite!
You Must Know
- This Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a showstopper.
- The marinade infuses juicy flavor, and the aroma while grilling will make your neighbors jealous.
- Perfect for summer gatherings, it brings everyone together for delicious bites and laughter.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping occasionally to achieve that perfect char and juicy interior.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs based on what you have—basil or cilantro work beautifully too. Toss in some chili flakes for an extra kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the grill or stovetop to retain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your chicken rest after grilling; this keeps it juicy.
- Don’t skip the marination time; it makes a world of difference!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety and tenderness.
The first time I made this dish, my friends declared it “the best grilled chicken ever.” I felt like a culinary rockstar, basking in their compliments while secretly reveling in how easy it was!
FAQ
How long should I marinate Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken?
Marinate for at least one hour to let flavors penetrate deeply.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and grilling.
What sides go well with grilled lemon herb chicken?
Pair with fresh salads, grilled veggies, or a light pasta salad for balance.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Memorial Day Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a zesty and aromatic dish, perfect for summer gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe infuses juicy chicken with bright lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish; pour half the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard leftover liquid. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In the last minute of grilling, brush with reserved marinade (not touching raw meat).
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For added flavor, substitute rosemary with basil or cilantro.
- Enhance spice by adding chili flakes to the marinade.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the grill or stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
