This lemon-thyme grilled chicken is all you need to host a successful cookout. Marinating the chicken breast overnight in a lemon, olive oil, and thyme marinade makes them tender and flavorful.
Grilled chicken is such a classic dish but it’s so hard to get it right! It often comes out tough and dry but not when you marinate it like I did with this Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken.
This chicken comes out tender and flavorful every time if you follow my directions. Adding some simple grilled vegetables on the side makes this the perfect summer dish. I like to do a big batch of grilled chicken on Sunday and keep it in the fridge for salads and grain bowls all week. It’s so much better than that packaged grilled chicken that’s stuffed with all kinds of preservatives. 
There are a few tricks of the trade that are non-negotiable…
You have to trim the fat from your chicken breasts and pound them out. I like to pound them to an even thickness which helps them to cook evenly on the grill. Just place them between two pieces of wax paper and pound those babies out with a meat mallet.
If you want even more tenderness and flavor it helps to marinate them overnight. Lemon juice and olive oil works wonders on chicken breasts!
In order to get the cooking time right, you must have a meat thermometer. I like this one or you can also use one made specifically for grilling which has a longer handle. It takes all of the guesswork out of grilling.
Generally, I would say chicken breasts of this size would take 6-8 minutes per side. They must reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. They will continue to cook for a bit when you take them off the grill. Always put meat on a plate covered with foil and let it rest a minute or two before slicing. Save all the yummy juices that come out of it too!
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Lemon-Thyme Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A perfectly juicy and flavorful grilled chicken breast, marinated in a bright mixture of fresh lemon, garlic, and thyme. This simple recipe is ideal for a healthy and quick summer meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts,trimmed of fat and pounded out
- 3 tablespoons (44ml) olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 lemons,juiced
- 3 cloves garlic,chopped
- 5 sprigs thyme,leaves removed
- 1 teaspoon (4.9ml) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken breast between 2 pieces of wax paper and pound with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness.
- Whisk lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Place chicken breasts in a plastic resealable bag and add marinade. Place in a bowl to prevent leakage and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 3 hours).
- When ready to cook, preheat grill to medium-high heat. Make sure grates are clean and wipe with an olive oil spritzed paper towel.
- When heated, place chicken breasts on grill and do not move. Cook 8 minutes on one side, then flip. You may have to turn grill down to medium depending on the power of your grill.
- Begin checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. When temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove chicken and place on a plate covered with foil.
- Slice and serve immediately with any pan juices. Garnish with more thyme.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly on the grill.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the grill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 130
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken in the lemon and thyme mixture?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken breasts overnight in the lemon, olive oil, and thyme mixture.
Why is it important to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly on the grill, preventing some parts from becoming tough while others remain undercooked.
What is the best way to check if the grilled chicken is cooked through?
Using a meat thermometer is essential; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
