Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe (2024)

This Grilled Lemon Chicken is tender and juicy from being marinated in a light lemon mixture then grilled to perfection. This lemon chicken recipe has just the right amount of lemon to make it flavorful and delicious.

Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe (1)

Grilled chicken is a summer staple at our house, and this Grilled Lemon Chicken is bound to be a family favorite.

How to make grilled chicken:

Grilling chicken breast doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these steps for the best grilled chicken:

  • Store your chicken separately from other food in the fridge. Keep your raw chicken on the bottom shelf of the fridge so it doesn’t drip onto other foods.
  • Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator instead of leaving it out at room temperature. When you thaw chicken in the microwave, it begins cooking the meat immediately and can cause harmful bacteria to grow if it isn’t completely cooked all at once.
  • Add flavor by marinating. If you are using a marinade as a basting or dipping sauce, set aside a portion for later before adding the raw meat to it.

You can also prepare grilled chicken by seasoning it. You can use a dry rub, like in we use on our Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken, or buy a pre-made rub at the store.

Looking for more grilled chicken recipes? Try our Grilled Malibu Chicken

How long do you cook grilled chicken?

The best way to cook grilled chicken is to sear the chicken to a grill on high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side to sear the outside of the meat.

Next, move the chicken to indirect or lower heat and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the chicken and check if the meat is white, without a rubbery texture and the juices run clear.

Related Recipe: Check out our Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken

How to grill chicken on a grill pan:

If you don’t have a grill, you can grill your chicken indoors on a grill pan.

Grease your grill pan with cooking spray and set it over medium-high heat.

Place the chicken on the grill pan and cook for 4 minutes on each side.

Place the grill pan in the oven and cook at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Can you freeze grilled chicken?

If you grilled too much chicken and won’t be able to eat it within a few days, it is best to freeze it.

Frozen chicken will lose some of their flavor and the texture will be slightly different, but you could easily shred the frozen chicken after it has thawed and use it in other recipes.

To freeze the grilled chicken, wrap chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap then place in a single layer in a freezer bag.

Seal the bag while pressing out as much air as possible.

Place the bag in the freezer on the bottom or against the back, where the freezer is the coldest.

To thaw chicken, remove from the freezer and place in the refrigerator 24 hours before using.

How to make the best grilled chicken:

This recipe makes the BEST Grilled Lemon Chicken I have ever tasted.

  • Start by making a simple marinade of lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, onion powder and red pepper flakes. I mix all of my marinade ingredients together in a gallon-sized resealable bag for easy cleanup.
  • Add your chicken to the marinade and seal or cover with plastic wrap if you are using a bowl.
  • Place marinating chicken in the fridge for 4-8 hours or overnight.
  • Remove the chicken from the bag and throw away the marinade.
  • Place the chicken on a grill heated to medium-high heat and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve with your favorite vegetables or salad for a light, healthy and delicious meal.

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Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe (2)

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Other tips for grilling chicken:

  • Prepare your grill by cleaning off old residue then brushing on some vegetable or olive oil. You can also spray your grill with nonstick cooking spray before it is turned on and heated up.
  • Start with the grill at high heat so you can sear the outside of the chicken. Searing the outside of the chicken will keep the inside juicy and make it easier to turn halfway through grilling.
  • If your grill has a cover, always cook with the cover down to help your chicken cook more evenly.
  • When it comes time to turn or remove your chicken from the grill, use a wide metal spatula or long handled tongs.
  • Poking your chicken with a fork to check for doneness will cause the juices to escape. Try not to continuously move the chicken while it is cooking, just turn it over one time halfway through cooking.

Our other favorite grilled chicken recipes:

  • Grilled Taco Chicken
  • Honey Lime Grilled Chicken
  • Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken
  • Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken

Summer Side Dishes:

  • 5 MINUTE STRAWBERRY JELLO SALAD RECIPE
  • RAMEN NOODLE ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE
  • INSTANT POT SWEET AND SPICY BBQ BEANS RECIPE
  • CHEESY BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD RECIPE
  • BROCCOLI SALAD RECIPE
  • GREEK YOGURT FRUIT SALAD RECIPE

Serves: 6

Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

This Grilled Lemon Chicken is tender and juicy from being marinated in a light lemon mixture then grilled to perfection. This lemon chicken recipe has just the right amount of lemon to make it flavorful and delicious.

Prep Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 22 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

  • Mix together lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, onion powder and red pepper flakes together in a gallon sized Ziploc bag.

  • Add chicken to marinade and seal bag closed.

  • Place bag in fridge and let chicken marinate for 4-6 hours (or overnight).

  • Remove chicken from bag and discard marinade.

  • Place chicken on grill heated to medium-high, cooking 5-6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.

Video

Notes

TIPS FOR GRILLING CHICKEN:

  • Prepare your grill by cleaning off old residue then brushing on some vegetable or olive oil. You can also spray your grill with nonstick cooking spray before it is turned on and heated up.
  • Start with the grill at high heat so you can sear the outside of the chicken. Searing the outside of the chicken will keep the inside juicy and make it easier to turn halfway through grilling.
  • If your grill has a cover, always cook with the cover down to help your chicken cook more evenly.
  • When it comes time to turn or remove your chicken from the grill, use a wide metal spatula or long handled tongs.
  • Poking your chicken with a fork to check for doneness will cause the juices to escape. Try not to continuously move the chicken while it is cooking, just turn it over one time halfway through cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 221 kcal · Carbohydrates: 3 g · Protein: 25 g · Fat: 12 g · Saturated Fat: 2 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 72 mg · Sodium: 487 mg · Potassium: 468 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 1 g · Vitamin A: 60 IU · Vitamin C: 10 mg · Calcium: 12 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Equipment

  • Large Ziploc Bag

  • Grill

  • meat thermometer

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

I think we knocked it out of the park with our easy grilled lemon chicken recipe! The combination of simple ingredients chock-full of bright flavors results in an incredibly flavorful chicken that’s juicy, tender, and bursting with freshness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. Elevate your next grill night with this grilled chicken recipe.

The key ingredient in this great recipe is the lemon garlic marinade. It infuses the chicken with incredible flavor without requiring any fancy ingredients or culinary expertise. Simply whisk together the marinade then let the chicken marinate for at least 4 to 8 hours. Let it sit in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor.

This recipe is perfect for those who are into meal prep. Simply grill a large batch of chicken on the weekend, then use it throughout the week in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or even pasta dishes. The possibilities are endless!

We’ve included a handy recipe card with the full ingredient list and detailed instructions on how to make our homemade lemon chicken marinade, including the recommended cooking time.

Give this easy grilled lemon chicken recipe a try at your next cookout. It’s the perfect way to add some bright flavors to your meals, any time of year. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite delicious sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

Be sure to not miss another recipe! Follow Six Sisters’ Stuff onInstagram|Facebook|Pinterest|YouTube

If you made our recipe be sure to tag us on Instagram so we can see your hard work using #sixsistersstuff.

Join The Discussion

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  1. AnnMarie says:

    I make a baked lemon chicken that is loaded with butter and although it is really good your recipe is so much better for summer. Sounds delicious! Pinned

  2. Camille says:

    Thanks so much, Ann Marie! I bet that your chicken is fantastic. :) Butter makes everything delicious!

  3. LeighAnn Pfeiffer-Mills says:

    I made your Spaghetti Salad for an open house. Fantastic! I doubled your recipe for the most part. I used crazy salt instead of paprika and used a bag of sweet mini-peppers and a green pepper. Whole black olives (2 CANS) I layered the noodles, parm and veggies since it was such a big batch. I put the cubed cheese on top (one block ) and had a back up block of cheese to add to it as the kids picked out the cheese as I knew they would. Big success! Had parm on the side to sprinkle. Will use this for a baby shower next weekend. Holds better than a mayo-based salad. Thank you ladies

  4. Courtney says:

    I bet this would be perfect on top of a salad! I might try this tonight for dinner.

  5. Taylor says:

    Hi! This recipe looks delicious! Quick question, how many calories are in a serving? Thank you!

  6. Cyd says:

    Hi Taylor. Just click on the MAGIC button under the picture on the post, then click on NUTRITION in the upper left hand corner. This will give you all of the nutritional information you will need.

  7. Sorry Not Sorry lyrics says:

    Look so delicious!!! I want to eat all of this at the first moment when I see them.Thank you for sharing these food.

  8. Joyce Ooms says:

    I will certainly try it soon

  9. Joyce says:

    Love to get a weekly menu plan; Thank you.

Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe (4)

About The Author:

Camille Beckstrand

Camille Beckstrand is married to Jared and they have 4 kids. She loves a good true crime podcast, a big plate of cheesy loaded nachos, and going on adventures with her family.

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Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to grilling chicken? ›

Grill over indirect or direct heat but keep the lid closed

If you're cooking a larger or thicker piece of chicken breast, grill over indirect heat before or after charring, especially if you want to be sure that it's cooked all the way through.

What happens when you marinate chicken in lemon juice? ›

Here's why: Lemon juice helps to tenderize meat, but when left for too long, it will break down the proteins too much, making the meat tough and rubbery… sometimes even mushy. So, if you want tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken, make sure to only marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours.

What not to do when grilling chicken? ›

Uncovered Grilling

Even removing the lid too often from the grill results in heat escaping and the temperature dropping. This may lead to uneven cooking of the chicken. Keeping the lid closed on the grill to cook the chicken more evenly.

How long can raw chicken sit in lemon juice? ›

Important: If your marinade is full of fresh citrus or vinegar, like the one in this chicken skewers recipe, keep the marinating time below an hour for optimal results. Poultry marinated in citrus, like lemon or lime juices, or vinegars can turn mushy and stringy if left to soak for too long.

How long should chicken marinate before grilling? ›

You can marinate chicken anywhere from 2 hours up to 24 hours, though marinating chicken for even 15 to 30 minutes can impart flavor and moisture into smaller pieces of meat. Generally, bone-in cuts of chicken, such as wings, drumsticks and breasts, will require a longer marinade time than their boneless counterparts.

Can you marinate chicken too long in lemon? ›

Most recipes for marinating meat and poultry recommend six hours up to 24 hours. It is safe to keep the food in the marinade longer, but after two days it is possible that the marinade can start to break down the fibers of the meat, causing it to become mushy.

When should I add lemon to chicken? ›

At Least 30 Minutes Before Cooking: Marinate the Chicken

Zest and juice one lemon into a large bowl. Add ¼ cup olive oil, 5 crushed or minced garlic cloves (use minced for a stronger flavor), 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and ¼ cup of chopped parsley.

Why put a lemon in a chicken? ›

The benefits of the hot steaming lemon going into the chicken are very obvious as the meat tastes amazing, and the chicken cooks slightly quicker because of it. Rub the chicken inside and out with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Can you put lemon on raw chicken? ›

You can marinate the chicken for several hours without affecting the texture. Marinate meats, poultry and fish with lemon juice in a non- reactive dish. Just a reminder, once the chicken is marinated, keep it in either a glass or plastic container. A stainless steel can be used.

Should you cover chicken when grilling? ›

If your grill has a cover, always cook your chicken with the cover down. It will make your grill more oven-like, and your food will cook more evenly. Also, because the cover cuts off some of the oxygen, you'll have fewer flare-ups.

Can you put raw chicken on a grill? ›

Heat grill to medium heat (approximately 400 degrees F). Place chicken on direct heat (direct flame) and cook at medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

Do you put chicken directly on grill? ›

Use Direct and Indirect Heat

Grilling only on direct heat zones is generally better for smaller chicken portions, like chicken breasts, tenders, and wings, which are less than a few inches thick.

How to grill chicken without it drying out? ›

How do you grill chicken breast without drying it out? Brining is the secret to juicy grilled chicken breasts. It requires a bit of extra time, but the soak in the a brine helps to tenderize the meat, which makes it less tough once it's grilled. Also, a brine is a great way to add flavor if you want.

Should chicken be oiled before grilling? ›

How to avoid the chicken sticking to the grill? There are a few things you can do to keep your chicken from sticking to the grill grates: rub the chicken with oil before grilling, make sure not to flip your chicken too early, and be sure to clean the grill grates before putting the chicken on.

Should I brush chicken with oil before grilling? ›

Start with a very light coating of olive oil on the chicken to keep it from sticking to the grill. Once it has started cooking, apply your basting mixture with a silicone brush or baster. Flip the chicken and allow it to cook a bit longer before basting the other side.

Should I use foil when grilling chicken? ›

Using foil when grilling chicken offers several benefits:
  1. Prevents Flare-Ups: Chicken, especially with higher fat content, can cause flare-ups on the grill when the fat drips onto the open flame. ...
  2. Even Cooking: Foil can help distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots on the grill. ...
  3. Easy Cleanup:
Sep 15, 2023

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