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Fresh Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Breast with Zucchini

grilled lemon herb chicken breast - featured image

A quick and healthy grilled chicken breast recipe marinated in lemon and fresh herbs, served with smoky grilled zucchini. Perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 2 large lemons, juiced and zested
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). Clean and oil grill grates.
  4. Slice zucchini into ½-inch thick rounds. Toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  5. Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook 6-8 minutes on the first side until grill marks form and chicken releases easily.
  6. Flip chicken and cook another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on chicken.
  7. While chicken cooks, grill zucchini slices 3-4 minutes per side until tender with char marks but still firm.
  8. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, loosely tented with foil.
  9. Arrange chicken and zucchini on a platter. Spoon any leftover marinade (not in contact with raw chicken) or fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours to avoid lemon ‘cooking’ the meat. Pat chicken dry before grilling to prevent flare-ups. Flip chicken only once and let it rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Grill zucchini last or alongside chicken, watching carefully to avoid mushiness. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb chicken, healthy dinner, zucchini, easy grilled recipes, low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free