Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves you disappointed at every cookout? Get ready to revolutionize your grilling game with KLC Jeff's Grilled Lemon Chicken - a mouthwatering recipe that promises to transform your ordinary chicken breasts into a zesty, flavor-packed masterpiece! This simple yet extraordinary dish combines the bright, tangy essence of fresh lemon with perfectly grilled chicken, creating a meal that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice from the two lemons, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Place the boneless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours if time allows.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed and have a light coating of ash.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade to avoid contamination.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill, making sure they are not overcrowded. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing for nice grill marks to form.
- After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.
- While the chicken is resting, chop the fresh parsley. This will be used as a garnish for serving.
- After resting, slice the grilled chicken breasts if desired and serve them on a platter. Garnish with the chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy your KLC Jeff's Grilled Lemon Chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. While 15 minutes works, allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours will dramatically enhance the flavor penetration.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect 165°F internal temperature - this guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Let It Rest: Always allow your grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This crucial step helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- Grill Maintenance: Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful professional-looking grill marks.
- Even Thickness: For consistent cooking, consider pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.Pro tip: Serve this chicken with a fresh lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of citrusy brightness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 318kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 35g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
