Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is the perfect dish to bring fresh, zesty flavors to your summer cookouts or any casual dinner. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs gives the chicken a vibrant, citrusy kick that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. It’s a light, flavorful, and satisfying option for anyone who loves grilled chicken with a punch of flavor.

The marinade infuses the chicken with tangy lemon, fresh herbs, and aromatic garlic, ensuring each bite is bursting with delicious taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is sure to become a go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:
- Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal for grilling, as they cook quickly and stay tender when marinated properly.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice provides the bright, zesty flavor that makes this dish so refreshing.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the marinade that balances out the tangy lemon.
- Fresh Herbs: A combination of parsley, thyme, and rosemary gives the chicken a fresh, aromatic touch.
How to Make Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides, and garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor.
Possible Variations
If you’re in the mood for a twist, try these variations:
- Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Swap the boneless breasts for bone-in chicken for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Grilled Veggies: Marinate some vegetables (such as bell peppers or zucchini) in the same marinade and grill them alongside the chicken.
- Make it Creamy: Serve with a creamy herb sauce on the side for dipping.
Why You’ll Enjoy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

This recipe is all about fresh, bold flavors that come together with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Bright and Zesty: The tangy lemon and fresh herbs infuse the chicken with a vibrant, refreshing flavor that is perfect for warm weather.
- Easy to Make: With just a simple marinade and a quick grill session, this dish comes together in no time.
- Versatile: You can serve this with almost any side, making it great for weeknight dinners, barbecues, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
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What to Serve with Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
To complement the fresh, light flavors of the grilled chicken, here are some great side dishes:
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic are a perfect match for the herbaceous flavors of the chicken.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta adds a nice balance to the dish.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light, herbed quinoa pilaf is a great way to soak up the extra marinade and adds texture to the meal.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn on the cob pairs wonderfully with the citrusy chicken and adds a smoky flavor.

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Equipment
- Grill For cooking the chicken
- Shallow Dish or Ziploc Bag For marinating the chicken
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides and garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon slices.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken for 2 hours for even more intense taste.
- Feel free to switch up the herbs based on what you have on hand.
- This recipe works great with bone-in chicken for a juicier result.

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!