Description
Juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon and fragrant basil, then grilled to perfection. This light yet flavorful dish is a perfect balance of tangy and herbaceous, making it a healthy and tasty addition to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Whisk everything together until the mixture is well-combined. The olive oil creates a rich base that helps keep the chicken juicy, while the lemon and basil provide bright, fresh flavors. The honey adds a slight sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each breast is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will absorb, but even a quick 30-minute soak will yield great results.
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want the grill to be hot enough to sear the chicken and get those beautiful grill marks, but not so hot that it burns the exterior before the chicken is fully cooked. Aim for a temperature of around 375-400°F (190-200°C).
If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to become white-hot and evenly distributed across the grill. For a gas grill, set the burners to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and to ensure even grilling.
Once the grill is preheated, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and close the lid. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, flipping once. The chicken should have visible grill marks and a golden-brown color on both sides.
For even cooking, try not to move the chicken around too much while it’s on the grill. Pressing down on the chicken can squeeze out juices, so it’s best to let it cook undisturbed for the most part. Use tongs to flip the chicken gently.
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breast. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for any pinkness. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your chicken remains tender and moist.
After resting, slice the chicken against the grain for the best texture. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy the tangy, herb-filled flavors of the Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220-250 kcal
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 2-4g
- Protein: 30g