Lemon Herb Chicken

Featuring the bold flavors of fresh lemon and herbs, this lemon herb chicken is super easy to make and more important - tasty.

I love a good chicken dish on the grill or smoker - from grilled chicken street tacos to smoked chicken thighs to grilled BBQ chicken.

But I love a good chicken and lemon dish. And this lemon herb chicken is hard to top.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavorful - The combination of lemon and herbs infuses the chicken with a burst of zesty and aromatic flavors.
• Quick and easy - Preparing this dish is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients and effort.
• Healthy - By grilling, you aren't adding unnecessary calories but you still get a ton of flavor from the herbs and lemon.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredient Notes
• Ingredient Swaps
• Step-by-Step Photos
• FAQs
• Storage Tips
• Side Dish Options
• Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
• Similar Recipes
• Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for even grilling and quick cooking.
• Olive oil - A high-quality extra virgin olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist and aids in the even distribution of flavors.
• Lemon - Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a vibrant, tangy flavor; ensure the lemons are ripe and juicy.
• Garlic - Freshly minced garlic adds a robust, savory depth to the marinade.
• Herbs - A mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano enhances the flavor.
• Salt and pepper - Essential for seasoning; use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.

Ingredient Swaps

As with any recipe, you can change up the ingredients if need. Some substitutes include:

• Swap the chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner option or even go with turkey cutlets.
• Substitute olive oil with avocado oil, grapeseed oil or melted coconut oil for a different taste and nutritional profile.
• Use lime or orange juice and zest for a different citrus profile from lemon.
• Substitute with dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable, or use herb blends like Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence.

Step-by-Step Photos

Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

Place chicken thighs and lemon herb marinade ingredients in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag, seal, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Preheat grill to 450º F, then grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

FAQs

Storage Tips

• To Store - Place any remaining food in a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days.
• To Freeze - Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them securely and place them in either an airtight container or a freezer bag before freezing. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• To Reheat - Cover the chicken with foil, leaving it slightly loose, and reheat them in a 350°F oven until thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, you can carefully heat in the microwave.

Side Dish Options

The beauty of this grilled chicken is it goes with pretty much everything. Some options include:

• Roasted Carrots and Green Beans
• Smoked Asparagus
• Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
• Smoked Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

• If using chicken breasts, even out the thickness by pounding them slightly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Prevent sticking by brushing the grill grates with oil before placing the chicken on them.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F for safe consumption.
• After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

Similar Recipes

• Smoked Spatchcock Chicken
• Smoked Chicken Breast
• Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
• Smoked Beer Can Chicken
• Smoked Pulled Chicken

If you’ve tried this lemon herb chicken or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.