This Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe is a fresh and flavorful recipe, which includes lemon juice and fresh herbs. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 20 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Ingredients
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- ½ cup good olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1½ teaspoons dried)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

How To Make Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or brush the pan with olive oil.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and serve: Transfer chicken to a platter, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve whole or sliced, with lemon wedges.
Recipe Tips
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Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy on the grill. -
How long should I marinate?
At least 4 hours is best; overnight delivers the most flavor. -
How to keep chicken juicy on the grill:
Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer and rest the chicken after grilling. -
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temp hits 165°F. -
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Use half the amount of dried thyme and rosemary as a substitute.

What To Serve With Grilled Lemon Chicken
This bright and herby chicken goes great with:
- Couscous or quinoa salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Greek salad or tabbouleh
- Lemon orzo with herbs
How To Store Grilled Lemon Chicken
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Grilled Lemon Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
A good-quality extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
What can I do with leftovers?
Slice and use in wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Couscous With Pine Nuts Recipe
- Ina Garten Jambalaya Recipe
- Ina Garten Mussels With Basil Breadcrumbs Recipe
Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes280
kcalA zesty and herb-marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection—perfect for summer meals or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
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½ cup lemon juice (fresh)
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½ cup olive oil
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1 tbsp minced garlic
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1 tbsp fresh thyme
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1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1.5 tsp dried)
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1.5 tsp kosher salt
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0.5 tsp black pepper
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Directions
- Whisk marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken in bag or dish for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high and oil grates.
- Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Rest 5 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges.
