Spring Lemon Herb Chicken

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 14 min
🍽 Serves: 2
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Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a dish that captures the freshness of the season? This Spring Lemon Herb Chicken is vibrant and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lovely weekend lunch.

Ingredients for Spring Lemon Herb Chicken

The heart of this dish is the chicken breasts, which are lean and take on flavors beautifully. Olive oil acts as the base of the marinade, helping to keep the chicken juicy. Lemon juice and lemon zest bring a tangy brightness, while garlic adds a savory depth. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme offer an earthy aroma that complements the lemon. A bit of salt and black pepper round out the flavors, enhancing each ingredient.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can work in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon each.
  • Want an extra lemony kick? Add a little more lemon zest to the marinade.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to at least 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a light salad, perhaps one with mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a lemon-infused couscous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the grilling time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate it for up to 8 hours, but no longer, as the acid in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Spring Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. In it, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. You want everything to be well combined so that each element of the chicken will absorb these flavors.

Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This gives the chicken time to soak up all those delicious flavors.

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. It’s important not to reuse it, as it’s been in contact with raw chicken.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for it to be fully cooked, with clear juices running out when you make a small cut. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tasty.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, fresh flavors that scream spring.
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • Quick marination means you can enjoy it without much wait.
  • Grilled to perfection, offering a healthier cooking method.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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