Fresh Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe with Easy Zucchini Sides
A quick and easy grilled lemon herb chicken paired with charred zucchini slices, offering bright, tangy, and tender flavors perfect for a light and satisfying summer dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs / 450–680 g)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch (6 mm) rounds or lengthwise strips
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk to blend (about 5 minutes).
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour marinade over them, ensuring each piece is coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 1 hour (avoid more than 4 hours).
- Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds or strips. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 10 minutes of chicken cooking, add zucchini slices to the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until tender with char marks.
- Remove chicken and zucchini from grill and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness. Avoid overcrowding the grill to get perfect grill marks. Marinate chicken between 20 minutes to 1 hour to avoid mushy texture. Grill zucchini last to keep it juicy and slightly crunchy. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or broiler.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 38
Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb chicken, zucchini sides, quick dinner, healthy grilling, summer recipe, easy chicken recipe