Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

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.

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Ina 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
Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe
Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or brush the pan with olive oil.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  • 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.
Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe
Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

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.

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Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

280

kcal

A zesty and herb-marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection—perfect for summer meals or make-ahead lunches.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup lemon juice (fresh)

  • ½ cup olive oil

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1.5 tsp dried)

  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt

  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

  • 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.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.