Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken
Bright, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful, Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken is the ultimate summertime dish that brings together juicy, marinated chicken with the zesty brilliance of lemons and the aromatic charm of fresh basil. This easy-to-follow recipe features chicken breasts marinated in a delightful blend of lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, and basil, ensuring every bite is bursting with citrusy-herbaceous goodness. Grilling the chicken to golden perfection locks in the marinade’s vibrancy while creating a smoky, slightly charred finish. Ready in under 30 minutes of active cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue. Serve it with a crisp side salad, grilled veggies, or light pasta for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Keywords include grilled chicken, lemon chicken, basil marinade, summer grilling recipes, quick dinner ideas.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 whole lemons, juiced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine the basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Step 3
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 5
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Step 6
Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
Step 7
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.
Step 8
Garnish with additional chopped basil or lemon wedges, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 865.1 grams (865.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1572 |
| Total Fat 67.30g | 86% |
| Saturated Fat 13.50g | 68% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g | |
| Cholesterol 592mg | 197% |
| Sodium 2879mg | 125% |
| Total Carbohydrate 12.70g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.10g | 8% |
| Total Sugars 2.60g | |
| Protein 217.10g | 434% |
| Vitamin D 7IU | 35% |
| Calcium 123mg | 9% |
| Iron 7mg | 41% |
| Potassium 1965mg | 42% |
Source of Calories