Name: Garlic and Herb Grilled Chicken Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 people
Ingredients: 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ¼ cup lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh herbs ((I used a combination of rosemary, thyme and parsley, but fresh basil, chives, oregano or cilantro will all work well)); 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper

This flavorful Garlic and Herb Grilled Chicken Breast is an easy and healthy dinner recipe!

Total Time: 25 minutes

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This flavorful Garlic and Herb Grilled Chicken Breast is an easy and healthy dinner recipe! With only 5 minutes of prep, the simple marinade yields tender and juicy meat that the whole family will love!

Hooray for grilling season! We’re taking as many of our meals outside as possible, because you just can’t beat the taste of the smoky char on the meat…and fewer dishes don’t hurt, either! That said, you can totally prepare this grilled chicken on the stove or in the oven. Thanks to the delicious lemon, garlic and herb marinade, the meat will taste amazing no matter how you cook it!

If you’re into meal prep, these marinated grilled chicken breasts are the perfect way to cook a lot of healthy protein over the weekend, which you can use in a variety of meals throughout the week. Salads! Pasta! Sandwiches! Wraps! Quesadillas! You name it, the options are endless…

Marinated grilled chicken on a plate with lemon and herbs

How to make Grilled Chicken Breast at Home:

First, start with the quick marinade for your grilled chicken. Simply whisk together the following ingredients:

lemon juice and lemon zest
olive oil
Dijon mustard
fresh herbs
garlic, salt and pepper

Grilled chicken breast marinade in a glass measuring cup

Place the chicken in a large resealable bag, pour the marinade over the meat, and toss to coat. Refrigerate the chicken for about 2 hours (or up to 4 hours) before grilling.

Marinating chicken breast in a ziploc bag

How long do you grill chicken breasts?

The length of time that it takes to cook your chicken will depend on the size and thickness of your meat. When grilled over medium-high heat (on the outdoor grill or indoor on the stovetop), a thin, small chicken breast will require about 5 minutes per side. Larger, thicker pieces of chicken will need up to 10-12 minutes per side.

I always recommend using a meat thermometer to know when your chicken breast is perfectly done. The meat should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Two grilled chicken breasts on an indoor grill pan

Are Grilled Chicken Breasts healthy?

Yes! This chicken is a high-protein, low-calorie entrée. The marinade also includes plenty of healthy fats and micronutrients thanks to the fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil (source).

How long does Grilled Chicken Breast last in the refrigerator?

Wrapped tightly, the grilled chicken breast will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also store the chicken in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Sliced grilled chicken on a plate with fresh parsley

What goes with Grilled Chicken Breast?

You can serve this versatile chicken in a variety of ways! Prep a big batch over the weekend and then enjoy it in salads, wraps, sandwiches, and pasta dishes all week long. Here are a few delicious ways to use the chicken:

Cook’s Tips and Recipe Variations:

Two hours is the perfect amount of time to marinate the chicken. You can leave the meat in the marinade for up to 4 hours, but I don’t recommend marinating for much longer than that. Too much time in the acidic marinade can cause the chicken to become mushy.
Pick your favorite herbs! I used a combination of rosemary, thyme and parsley; however, fresh basil, chives, oregano or cilantro would all work well.
You can use this grilled chicken marinade for chicken thighs as well.
For a shorter cooking time, cut large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces of meat.
To bake the chicken breast in the oven, remove the chicken from the marinade and bake in a 425 degree F oven for 30-40 minutes (for thin, small chicken breasts) or about 45-55 minutes for very thick, large chicken breasts.
Prepare this grilled chicken breast on the stove by using a nonstick skillet or griddle, or an indoor grill pan. Heat the pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat and cook the chicken according to the instructions below.
Since the size and thickness of chicken breasts can vary greatly, I suggest using a meat thermometer to know when your chicken is done. The meat needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Overhead shot of grilled chicken on a plate with a fork and knife

Other easy grilled chicken breast recipes that you might enjoy:

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5 from 1 vote