Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a zesty, flavorful twist on grilled chicken, you've come to the right place. This Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken combines the brightness of lemon and lime with the earthy goodness of fresh herbs, creating a dish that's perfect for any season. It's simple, fresh, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken

Olive oil acts as the base for our marinade, helping to distribute the flavors evenly across the chicken while keeping it moist during grilling. Lemon juice and lime juice add a bright, tangy zing that cuts through the richness of the chicken. Garlic gives a savory depth, while the fresh thyme leaves and fresh rosemary bring an aromatic earthiness. A touch of salt and black pepper balances everything, enhancing the natural flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have a grill, a grill pan or a broiler works just as well.
  • For even more flavor, use a meat mallet to lightly pound the chicken breasts before marinating.
  • Double the marinade and reserve half for drizzling over the cooked chicken. Just remember not to reuse the marinade that touched raw chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with a light couscous salad or roasted vegetables. For a refreshing touch, serve with a simple cucumber and tomato salad or a side of grilled asparagus. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the citrus notes perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well with this marinade. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How can I tell if the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The chicken should be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear. If you're unsure, a small cut in the thickest part of the chicken should reveal no pink.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling.

Citrus Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. In it, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This marinade is the magic potion that will transform your chicken.

Next, place your boneless chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible, and give it a gentle massage. This helps the marinade soak into the chicken, making it even more flavorful.

Pop the bag in the fridge and let the chicken marinate for at least an hour. If you have the time, let it sit overnight. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor will be.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it; you want the internal temperature to reach 165°F. This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Once grilled, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite juicy and tender.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort.
  • Uses fresh, simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
  • Healthy and light, yet satisfying.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 lime, juiced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag, ensuring the chicken is well coated, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

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