Fire up the grill and tantalize your taste buds with this vibrant Grilled Basil Lemon Chicken recipe! Featuring tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh basil, lemon zest, and juice, with hints of garlic and a touch of honey for natural sweetness, this dish is a summer BBQ must-try. The easy marinade infuses the chicken with bold, citrus-herb flavors, while grilling adds a smoky charred finish. Ready in just 35 minutes (plus marination time), it's perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings. Pair it with grilled vegetables, a crisp salad, or fluffy rice for a complete meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Start by preparing the marinade. Finely chop the basil leaves and place them in a mixing bowl.
Zest the lemon, then juice it. Add both the zest and juice to the basil in the bowl.
Grate or mince the garlic cloves and add them to the mixture.
Stir in the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and honey, whisking everything together until well combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for best results.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Lightly grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the grilled basil lemon chicken with your choice of side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice pilaf.
Serving size | 851.3 grams (851.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1476 |
Total Fat 53.60g | 69% |
Saturated Fat 11.30g | 57% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
Cholesterol 592mg | 197% |
Sodium 2881mg | 125% |
Total Carbohydrate 19.70g | 7% |
Dietary Fiber 4.00g | 14% |
Total Sugars 7.80g | |
Protein 218.40g | 437% |
Vitamin D 7IU | 35% |
Calcium 155mg | 12% |
Iron 9mg | 47% |
Potassium 2043mg | 43% |
Source of Calories