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Mastering the Grate: Our Best Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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This grilled lemon pepper chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with a simple, zesty marinade. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from 34 medium lemons)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp fresh lemon zest

1 tbsp coarse ground black pepper

1 tsp fine ground black pepper

1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1 tbsp high smoke point oil (such as canola or grapeseed)

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry, then whisk together the marinade ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated, and chill for at least thirty minutes.

3. Clean the grates and heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400–425 Fahrenheit).

4. Carefully brush the hot grates with the high smoke point oil.

5. Place the marinated chicken on the oiled grates and cook for six to eight minutes per side.

6. Verify the internal temperature has reached 165 Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.

7. Remove the chicken, let it rest for five to ten minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Do not marinate for longer than four hours to prevent the acid from toughening the meat.

Always rest the chicken for 5–10 minutes to keep it juicy.

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