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This grilled lemon chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a zesty, flavor-packed meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend entertaining. The bright citrus marinade infuses the meat with moisture and tanginess while the quick cooking time keeps dinner stress-free.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hot summer when turning on the oven seemed unbearable. My family immediately requested it become part of our regular rotation, and it's now our go-to whenever we want something light yet satisfying that doesn't heat up the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts: Ensure quick, even cooking and maximum marinade absorption
- Fresh lemon juice: Provides bright acidity that tenderizes the meat while adding signature flavor
- Olive oil: Helps carry flavors while preventing the chicken from sticking to the grill
- Ground ginger: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the lemon perfectly
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while helping the chicken retain moisture
- Broccoli florets: Provide the perfect sturdy vegetable for grilling alongside your chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate The Chicken:
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag with lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings. The acid in the lemon starts breaking down tough muscle fibers while infusing flavor. Let it marinate for at least one hour but overnight yields the best results as the flavors have more time to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare The Grill:
- Create dual heat zones on your grill with high heat on one side and medium heat on the other. This temperature difference is crucial as it allows you to cook vegetables quickly while giving the chicken the gentler heat it needs to cook through without drying out. Remember to oil your grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Season The Vegetables:
- Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt and pepper in a grill basket. The oil helps the florets char nicely while protecting them from burning too quickly. Make sure each piece gets evenly coated for consistent cooking.
- Position Foods Strategically:
- Place the broccoli on the hot side of the grill where it can char quickly, while positioning chicken on the medium heat side where it can cook through more gently. This simultaneous cooking saves time and ensures everything finishes together.
- Monitor And Flip:
- Cook everything for about 5 minutes before flipping the chicken and stirring the broccoli. The chicken should release easily from the grates when it's ready to turn. Look for light grill marks before flipping.
- Test For Doneness:
- Cook another 5 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and broccoli achieves your desired level of charring. The vegetables should be tender-crisp with noticeable grill marks.
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The lemon juice is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I once tried making it with bottled juice in a pinch, and while still good, the fresh lemon makes a noticeable difference. My husband always knows when I've used fresh because the aroma fills our backyard and neighbors often comment on the delicious smell wafting over the fence.
Make-Ahead Options
This recipe excels as a meal prep option. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which not only saves time but actually improves the flavor. For busy weeks, I often prepare several bags of marinated chicken on Sunday, then freeze them flat. The night before cooking, I move one bag to the refrigerator to thaw. The chicken continues marinating as it defrosts, resulting in even more flavorful meat with practically no weeknight effort.
Vegetable Variations
While broccoli makes an excellent pairing with this lemon chicken, the recipe works beautifully with nearly any vegetable that stands up well to grilling. Asparagus cooks even faster than broccoli and develops a wonderful nutty flavor when grilled. Zucchini and bell peppers cut into large pieces also grill beautifully alongside the chicken. For a Mediterranean twist, try eggplant slices brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. The key is choosing vegetables with similar cooking times or adjusting when you add them to the grill.
Serving Suggestions
This bright, lemony chicken pairs wonderfully with so many sides beyond the grilled vegetables included in the recipe. For a complete Mediterranean inspired meal, serve with a side of hummus and warm pita bread. A simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and feta makes another excellent accompaniment. For a heartier option, consider adding a side of orzo or couscous tossed with a bit of olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs to echo the flavors in the chicken.
Storage And Reheating
Leftover chicken and vegetables will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes the recipe ideal for meal prepping lunches for the week. To reheat, I recommend using a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water over medium low heat to steam the chicken gently without drying it out. Microwaving works in a pinch but may toughen the chicken slightly. For a completely different meal, chop cold leftover chicken and use it to top salads or wrap in a tortilla with fresh vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best way to marinate the chicken?
Use a large plastic bag, adding the chicken and marinade ingredients. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy while grilling?
Grill over medium heat and avoid overcooking. Using thin-sliced breasts and oiling the grates helps retain moisture.
- → Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli with zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or any vegetable that grills well.
- → What is the recommended cook time for the chicken?
Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side over medium heat, ensuring it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- → How should I serve this dish?
Serve immediately with grilled broccoli or your favorite side vegetables. Garnish with basil or lemon slices for added flavor.