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Fresh Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe Easy Healthy Summer Dinner

grilled lemon herb chicken - featured image

A fresh and vibrant grilled lemon herb chicken recipe paired with summer vegetables, perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful summer dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 68 oz / 170-225g each)
  • 2 lemons, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tbsp dried)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (preferably still on the vine)
  • 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended (about 3 minutes).
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 1 hour (ideally 30 minutes).
  3. Prep the Vegetables: Toss zucchini slices, red bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and onion rings in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside in a bowl.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 205°C). Clean the grates well and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Grill the Vegetables: Add the prepared vegetables to a grill basket or directly on the grates (cherry tomatoes are best in a basket). Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and lightly charred.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove chicken and veggies from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better marinade adherence. Avoid flipping chicken too often to get a good sear. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. If chicken browns too fast, move to indirect heat. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving. Grill cherry tomatoes in a basket to prevent falling through grates. Can bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb chicken, summer dinner, healthy chicken recipe, grilled vegetables, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free, low-carb