Fire up the grill and make this delicious Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken! Chicken breast is seasoned in a zesty lemon pepper marinade and grilled to perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for a summer BBQ or for meal prep to use in many different dishes.
Lemon and pepper make a great flavor combination because they are both so versatile. The acidity of the lemon helps to cut through the richness of the chicken while the pepper adds a nice amount of heat.
The marinade is made with simple ingredients and still packs a punch! Once the chicken is fully marinated, all you’ll need to do is throw it on the grill for 6 to 8 minutes on each side and you’ll have a protein that is flavorful and can be used in many different ways!
This lemon pepper bbq chicken is perfect on its own, with veggies, in a salad, or even sliced up and served over some pasta. The possibilities are endless.
So the next time you’re looking for a new way to cook chicken, give this grilled lemon pepper chicken recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A great way to change up the flavor of boring plain chicken breast.
- The charred citrus flavor is perfect for summer BBQs.
- Lemon pepper is a versatile flavor that can be used in many different dishes.
- You can easily prep the lemon chicken in advance to save time at dinner. It’s also great for meal prep!
Ingredients You Need
You will need a few basic ingredients for the lemon pepper marinade in addition to the chicken breasts. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. The ingredients make this chicken naturally gluten free and low carb.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – This high-protein meat is best marinated as it keeps the chicken from drying out. If you substitute for boneless chicken thighs or another cut of chicken, you may need to adjust cook time.
- Salt & Pepper – Simply enhances the flavor of the chicken breast.
- Lemon Juice & Zest – Use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for the best lemon flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Used to coat the chicken and hold all of the seasonings so they distribute evenly in the marinade. You can substitute with avocado oil, if desired.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a bold garlic flavor to the chicken that compliments lemon and pepper well. You can substitute with two cloves of freshly minced garlic, if desired.
- Dried Thyme – Adds a citrusy herb flavor to the chicken that rounds out the flavor. You can substitute with fresh thyme, if desired.
How to Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
- Prepare the chicken breast: After removing it from the package, pat the chicken completely dry with a paper towel. Store in a large plastic bag while you mix up the marinade.
- Assemble the lemon pepper marinade for the chicken: Add the lemon juice, zest, oil, and seasonings to a small bowl and whisk to fully combine.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the mixture into the bag with the chicken and massage to fully coat. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
- Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to 450 Fahrenheit and lightly oil the grill if necessary.
- Grill the chicken: Shake off any excess marinade, then place the chicken on the hot grill with tongs. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked in the thickest part to a temperature of 165 degrees F, using an instant read thermometer. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve the grilled chicken plated with fresh lemon slices on the side. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or sprinkle on top for additional color.
Expert Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before adding the marinade. This will help the marinade to stick better and also prevents it from slipping off when you put it on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, no worries! You can cook this chicken in a grilled pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Just be sure to use a little bit of oil to coat the pan so your chicken doesn’t stick.
- Save time and prep ahead! If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the chicken through step two and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just grill according to the instructions.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken to make sure it is cooked all the way through. Chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
- Marinate overnight for the best flavor. The chicken will taste the most flavorful when it has been marinated overnight as this allows the flavors to penetrate longer and allows the chicken to tenderize.
Serving Suggestions
- Make pre-portioned meal prep by placing sliced chicken breast over a bed of Instant Pot Brown Rice.
- Serve over a Fresh Garden Salad for a light and healthy meal.
- Toss into a serving of Spinach and Ricotta Pasta for additional protein and flavor.
- Use it as the meat for a Grilled Pesto Chicken Sandwich.
- Serve with vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or potatoes.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Chicken
Storing: Once the chicken is cooked and cooled, you can store leftovers by tightly wrapping in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. Store leftover chicken breast in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing: Freeze grilled chicken by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing. Chicken can be frozen for up to four months.
Reheating: Chicken can be reheated in the microwave, grill pan, or oven. If using the microwave, heat grilled chicken on 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through. If reheating in a grilled pan or oven, preheat to 350F and cook until warmed through.
Other Grilled Recipes
- Bunless Burger
- Grilled Lobster Tail
- Grilled Stuffed Jalapeños
- Lemon Grilled Asparagus
- Grilled Boneless Pork Chops
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