Why You’ll Love Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

The lemon‑focused marinade brings a vibrant, tangy kick that’s balanced by aromatic dried basil, parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes.
It’s easy to prepare: toss your chicken in the marinade, let it hang out for at least an hour (or up to 12) and then grill or sauté.
Versatile and family‑friendly: works with chicken breasts or thighs, bone‑in or boneless.
Great for leftovers and meal prep—quick to reheat and delicious the next day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts (or thighs)
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon juice
Dried basil
Dried parsley
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Place your chicken (breasts or thighs) into a large resealable plastic bag or container.
Add olive oil, lemon juice, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and crushed red pepper flakes. Seal the bag, squeeze out any excess air, and massage gently to coat the chicken evenly.
Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour, or for best flavor up to 12 hours (longer marinating deepens the lemon‑flavor).
To grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill grates. Grill for about 5‑7 minutes per side (or longer if thick or bone‑in) until the juices run clear and the chicken is golden brown.
To sauté: If grilling isn’t an option, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side, flip, then cook another ~5 minutes, until the chicken is firm, cooked through and the juices run clear.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest a couple of minutes before slicing or serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and lemon slices if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 people.
Prep time: about 1 hour (including minimum marinating).
Cook time: around 15 minutes.
Total time: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.

Variations

Use bone‑in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of boneless breasts for richer flavor—just increase the cooking time accordingly.
Add fresh lemon zest along with the juice for an extra citrus punch.
Mix in fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) if you prefer over dried—adjust amounts accordingly.
For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or use a charcoal grill.
Serve sliced on top of a green salad, in wraps or over a bed of rice/quinoa for meal‑prep options.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat: use a microwave for convenience, or warm gently in a skillet over low to medium‑low heat until just heated through (to avoid drying out).
You may also freeze the cooked chicken (sliced or whole) for later use—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

Marinate the chicken at least one hour, but for deeper flavor aim for up to 12 hours. Any longer than 12 hours can start to change the texture of the meat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes — boneless or bone‑in thighs both work well. If you use bone‑in, allow extra cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is it okay to sauté instead of grilling?

Absolutely. If grilling isn’t an option, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chicken for about 5 minutes per side for boneless pieces.

Can I freeze the raw chicken in the marinade?

You could freeze chicken in this marinade, but if you’re marinating for an extended time from frozen you’ll want to ensure it thaws safely in the fridge and is cooked thoroughly after.

What sides pair well with this lemon herb chicken?

Grilled zucchini & squash, garlic green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh salad are excellent options.

How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well‑oiled. The olive oil in the marinade helps, and you can also brush extra oil on the grates or wait an extra minute before flipping if the chicken is sticking.

Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes — marinate the chicken ahead of time, cook, then store in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can slice it and use it in salads, wraps or bowls.

Will using fresh herbs instead of dried change the amount I need?

Yes — as a general rule you’ll need about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Taste as you go and adjust.

Are there gluten‑free or paleo versions?

Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten‑free and can easily be adapted for paleo by using clean ingredients and avoiding any hidden additives.

How can I make it spicier if I like heat?

Increase the crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade.

Conclusion

This lemon herb marinated grilled chicken is a simple yet vibrant dish that brings fresh, bold flavor without fuss. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue or meal‑prep for busy days. Marinate, grill (or sauté), slice and serve—your family or guests will love the tender, lemony results. Enjoy!

Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken