Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken
Juicy, tender chicken breasts are marinated in lemon, garlic, and fresh basil, then grilled to perfection. Quick to make, packed with protein, and low in carbs, this flavorful chicken is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 Gallon-size resealable bag
- 1 Meat tenderizer (flat side)
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 grill or grill pan
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh basil minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 large lemon juiced (about 1/4–1/3 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon extra light olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts for Even Cooking: Start by placing two chicken breasts at a time into a gallon-size resealable plastic bag, leaving about an inch open at the top. Using the flat side of a meat tenderizer or mallet, gently pound the thickest part of each chicken breast until the entire piece is even in thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and stays juicy. Once pounded, transfer the chicken to a large mixing bowl. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Make the Herb and Lemon Marinade: In the bowl with the pounded chicken, combine the minced fresh basil, finely grated or minced garlic, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the extra light olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently toss the chicken in the marinade, making sure every piece is evenly coated. The combination of lemon, basil, and garlic will infuse the chicken with bright, fresh flavors.
- Let the Chicken Marinate Properly: Cover the bowl or keep the chicken in the resealable bag and let it marinate for no longer than 30 minutes at room temperature. Avoid over-marinating, as the acidity of the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken, changing the texture. While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 450–500°F, so it’s ready to sear the chicken perfectly.
- Preheat the Grill for Perfect Searing: Before placing the chicken on the grill, ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Preheating is crucial for getting those beautiful grill marks and locking in moisture. If you’re using a gas grill, set it to high and close the lid for 5–10 minutes. For charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with white ash.
- Grill the Chicken Until Fully Cooked: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Avoid pressing down on the chicken with a spatula, as this can squeeze out the natural juices. Use tongs to gently flip the chicken halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
- Rest the Chicken Before Serving: Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender. Cutting into it immediately can cause the flavorful juices to escape.
- Optional Garnish and Serving: For a bright, fresh finish, sprinkle a little extra minced basil or a few lemon slices over the chicken before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the lemon-basil flavor profile. Serve with your favorite side dishes like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or whole grains for a complete, nutritious meal.
Notes
- For uniform cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Marinate chicken for no longer than 30 minutes to prevent texture changes from the acidic lemon juice.
- Always preheat the grill to 450–500°F for perfect searing and grill marks.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same bright aroma.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste; the lemon and garlic already provide bold flavors.
- Optional garnish: extra basil or lemon slices for presentation and enhanced flavor.
