This simple Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken with fresh herbs is a mouthwatering, flavorful recipe that's ideal for weeknight family meals and large weekend barbecues.
I've always been about the simple, easy, delicious meals, but this summer I've become almost fanatical about it. I refuse to waste my time shopping for extra ingredients I don't already have on hand. One more trip to the store or farmer's market? No thank you. Enter this simple Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken.
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🌟 What makes this chicken dish amazing
This is one of those delicious dishes that may soon find its way into your regular dinner rotation. Here are just a few reasons why:
Quick: this lemon pepper chicken takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish!
Simple ingredients: it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand or are easy to get. No trips to specialty food markets!
Healthy: The skinless chicken is low in calories but this dish doesn't sacrifice any flavor.
🛒 Ingredient notes
The best recipes start with simple, fresh ingredients. For this simple grilled lemon pepper chicken, I use:
Skinless chicken breasts - While I love crispy skin on bone-in chicken, the flavors in this dish come through even better with skinless chicken breasts.
Fresh rosemary - If you have a garden, rosemary is an easy-to-grow, hardy herb that goes great in a lot of dishes. And it's easy to find at most grocery stores as well.
Fresh thyme - Using fresh over dried thyme really enhances the herby flavor of this dish.
Cracked black pepper - I use a generous serving of pepper to ensure it's seasoned well.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
- Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add the herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasoned chicken to a large ziplock bag. Marinade for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours. You can also marinade the chicken overnight.
- Once you're ready to cook the chicken, get the grill heated to medium-high (about 400 degrees), and grill each chicken breast for 5-7 minutes on each side.
3. Grilling Tip: if you want the fancy grill marks everyone loves, try to only turn the chicken once on each side. Or, for a criss-cross design, turn 45 degrees to finish off the grill time on each chicken. That's it!
❓Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! You can cut it up and use in salads, pastas, or shred and use in sandwiches. I love how tasty this chicken is - the lemon and fresh herbs are so perfect for summertime feasts!
Marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, marinade overnight so the chicken can absorb all of the delicious flavors.
🍽 What to serve with this chicken
To make a complete meal out of this dish, try serving it with Rosemary Roasted Glazed Carrots, Corn with Basil Lime Butter, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples.
🍷 Best wine pairings for this chicken dish
I pair this chicken dish with a bright Sauvignon Blanc. The citrus flavors in this wine help bring out the bright acidity of the lemon and the savory herbs in the chicken.
You can also pair this with a stainless steel (unoaked) Chardonnay, like my favorite: Stoller Family Estate Chardonnay.
More grilling recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
Ingredients
- salt and pepper
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup lemon juice (the juice from about one large lemon)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
Instructions
- Generously season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme to a large ziplock bag. Add seasoned chicken. Seal well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, and up to 8 hours or overnight.
- When you're ready to grill, heat the grill to medium-high. Once the grill is hot, add the chicken and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and let rest on a plate for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Luci says
This looks so yummy. I'll have to make this for family, they love chicken and the lemon and herb sounds really great.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Yay! I hope they love it!
Denay DeGuzman says
This recipe for lemon herb grilled chicken looks so darn tasty! I love that it's quick and simple to prepare. A perfect mid-week meal!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
That's my favorite part about it! :)
Pech says
Nice and easy!! It's amazing how generous fresh herbs with olive oil and a little fire can be all you need!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Right?! :)
Summer Sorensen says
Looks delicious! I love discovering new ways to prepare grilled chicken.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thank you! :)
Hillary Harper says
Simple recipes like this make life so much more stress-free on busy week nights!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I agree! I love not having to worry about dinner!
Everydaydonia says
I am definitely trying this recipe because i love chicken 😊
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Yay! I'm happy to hear it!
Betsy says
Yum! I love simple recipes like this. I bet it's got tons of flavor.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I love simple as well! :)
Sheree says
Yummy thanks for sharing, this recipe looks delicious, it looks like the perfect meal for a summer night, excited to try it!
~xo Sheree
poshclassymom.com
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Let me know how you like it! Thanks, Sheree! :)
Jennifer says
This recipe looks so delicious! I love that it looks light and refreshing.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thanks, Jennifer!
Mary says
I'm with you on summer dinners, especially during weeknights. It's so easy to throw a few on hand ingredients to make a delicious marinade! This looks delicious and fresh, and I bet it's fantastic with Sauvignon Blanc.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Yes! It really is! One of my fav pairings! :)
Tasia b says
This looks AMAZING! Lemon chicken is one of my husbands favorites. I’ll definitely have to try this recipe!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Let me know how it is! :)
Britt | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
Lemon and herbs take any protein and makes it delicious, lol. Great recipe!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I agree! I love adding lemon and herbs for a nice twist!
Meredith says
I am always looking out for quick, easy and delicious grilling recipes. Thank you for this... I am sure my whole family will love it!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Yay! Let me know how you like it! :)
Jamie Young says
I just snipped some fresh thyme from my neighbor's garden (with her permission) I may just have to go snip more! I love the lemon and herbs you put with this chicken. It sounds like a delicious summer meal!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
You definitely should! Thank you, Jamie! :)
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Lemon pairs so well with chicken, especially with the herbs you used!!! Your recipe looks not only delicious but super easy!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I agree! It really is! I love quick and easy meals! Thank you, Elaine!
Sheila says
Dropping by to say thank you for sharing this recipe. It was a nice change from the usual fried chicken. It was a surprise that even my kids loved it.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I'm so glad that they liked it! Thanks, Sheila! :)