Summer's Best Citrus-Herb Grilled Chicken
This recipe features tender chicken seasoned with a vibrant citrus-herb marinade, then grilled to perfection. It's a delicious and healthy meal perfect for any summer day.
Equipment
- Large bowl or resealable bag
- Grill
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
Instructions
Preparation
- If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even 1-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes in a large bowl or resealable bag.
- Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's fully coated, then refrigerate for 2-6 hours, or up to 12 hours for thighs.
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F or 200-230°C) and clean the grates thoroughly.
- Lightly oil the clean grill grates using a paper towel dipped in cooking oil and tongs.
- Grill the chicken over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side to get grill marks.
- Move the chicken to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for breasts or 175°F (80°C) for thighs is reached.
Serving
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Slice or serve the chicken whole, and enjoy with your favorite summer sides.
Notes
Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours is key for flavor development. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken.