Like big flavors with minimal fuss? You will fall in love with this succulent Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast Recipe. It is the perfect way to liven up your weeknight dinner menu, and an easy option for your weekend grill out.
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The simple marinade has a tangy lemon flavor that pairs beautifully with pepper and garlic to deliver just the right amount of punch. Pair this Grilled Lemon Chicken with a simple side salad for the perfect summer meal!
We love big flavors in our family, and this recipe really delivers without a lot of fuss! Because who has time for fussy recipes? It is summer and to me, that involved keeping things simple.
(And if at all possible, to avoid turning on the oven.)
I love to grill boneless skinless chicken. It is a relatively inexpensive protein which is a bonus since I have teenage boys who can really eat!
The only problem is that because the cut is so low in fat it doesn't bring a lot of flavor to the table. And that is where this delicious tangy marinade comes in. I am obsessed with its bright lemony flavor and punchy garlic-pepper kick. I think you will be too! (If you like this, I know you'll also love this Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade recipe, so make sure you check that one out too.)
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Lemon juice
- Fresh rosemary
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Sea salt
- Coarse Black pepper
For the full printable recipe card, please scroll down to the teal box below.
Instructions
- First, make the lemon pepper marinade.
- After that, place the chicken in a shallow dish or large resealable bag and add all but 1 tablespoon of the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
- Next, heat a grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grate and then add the chicken. Grill covered for 7 minutes.
- Finally, flip the chicken and cook for about 7 minutes more, until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160 degrees for the internal temperature.
- Transfer to a plate and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes prior to serving.
Recipe Variations
Because we test all our recipes, we recommend that you make them once just as it is without substitutions or changes. Sometimes variations can go awry. Making our Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe as we have tested it will yield the best results. If you really want to get creative, here are some ideas for variations that might work well. (Please note, we have not tested these variations).
- Use thyme or parsley instead of rosemary.
- Add a ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- If you prefer you can use chicken thighs or bone in chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and use an instant-read thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through. You can read more about safe minimum temperatures here.
- If you're short on time, you can use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning, but for the best flavor, I recommend using fresh lemons.
This flavorful lemon pepper chicken marinade can also be used on chicken thighs and chicken legs in addition to boneless chicken breasts.
Tip
For even more lemon flavor, add a little bit of lemon zest to the marinade along with the fresh lemon juice. The zest really adds bold citrus flavor!
What to Do With Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- I like to double this recipe and use the leftovers to make Chicken Salad.
- It is also fabulous in wraps!
- This recipe lends a refreshing vibrance to Chicken Pot Pie or Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
Similar Recipes
Next time, try one of these other chicken breast recipes:
- spicy grilled chicken
- sheet pan balsamic chicken
- teriyaki chicken skewers
- garlic brown sugar chicken
You'll also love these delicious grilled bone-in chicken thighs - they're so flavorful!
More chicken recipes:
- Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
- Easy Honey Butter Chicken Bites (30 mins!)
- Chicken Pizzaiola
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this tender chicken with feta cheese and diced Kalamata olives on top with crispy smashed potatoes on the side. It is also great with a fresh side salad. Here are some more ideas:
- Serve with Rice Cooker Parmesan Risotto or Honey Glazed Baby Carrots.
- For a light side, try this Parmesan Asparagus Recipe.
- Finish off the meal with Honey Lime Fruit Salad.
- For a low-carb or keto meal, serve with Zucchini Noodles or Mashed Cauliflower.
- Serve with your favorite Roasted Vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze.
More Side Dishes:
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
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Ingredients
- 24 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast
- ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl or blender combine the marinade ingredients. Mix until thoroughly combined.¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil, ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- Place the chicken in a shallow dish or large zip-top bag.24 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast
- Add all but 1 tablespoon of the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
- Heat a grill to medium heat. (About 350 degrees F.)
- Oil the grate and then add chicken.
- Grill covered for 7 minutes.
- Flip and brush with the reserved marinade.
- Cook for about 7 minutes more, until an instant-read thermometer, registers 160 degrees.
- Transfer to a clean plate and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
About the Author: Wendy Polisi is a cookbook author and veteran blogger who recently embraced a low carbohydrate lifestyle to help combat auto-immune disease and regain health. You can find her at Kicking Carbs, and connect on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
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