Add this deliciously healthy, easy to prepare Grilled Lemon Chicken Breast to your dinner rotation.
Why Chicken Breasts Are The Most Popular Protein
As home cooks know, you can’t go wrong with boneless chicken breasts for a quick dinner after a full day of weekend activities or an exhausting day at work. Low in fat and high in protein they lend themselves so well to many cooking methods and cuisines. Pan-fry, poach, bake, stew and, when we’re blessed by the glorious arrival of Spring; my favorite, grilled. The only major pitfall is overcooking; so just keep in mind that a pounded-thin chicken breast sans bones and skin is cooked through in about 5-7 minutes, depending on thickness, and should be moist – just not pink juicy.
What Makes Meyer Lemons Different
This simple recipe takes advantage of the wonderfully juicy yellow-orange Meyer Lemons that are in season now. Meyer lemons are less tart than the lemons most commonly found in markets, which makes it a favorite flavoring for sweet and savory dishes alike. Delicious on fish, poultry, vegetables and in fruit desserts, use Meyer Lemons as a low-calorie seasoning. Or, use the juice as a delicious, fresh alternative to high-fat salad dressings and sauces. Here the zest and juice are used for a simple marinade and gremolata.
Grilled Lemon Chicken Breast with Meyer Lemon Gremolata Recipe
- 2 tbsp fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 chicken breast halves, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp freshly grated Meyer lemon zest*
- lemon slices for garnishing
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In a bowl whisk together the lemon juice, pepper, and salt to taste. Add oil in a stream, whisking until the marinade is emulsified. Put chicken breasts in a gallon-size resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, turning the bag once.
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Meanwhile, prepare the gremolata by mixing the three ingredients together in a small bowl.
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Preheat grill to medium heat.
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Remove the chicken from the bag. Discard marinade. Place on oiled rack and grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve sprinkled with the gremolata and garnished with lemon and thyme.
*If Meyer lemons aren’t available, you can use regular lemons. Cut the breast into smaller pieces by slicing off the tenderloin portion i.e. the chicken “tender” (perfect size for kids). Place under plastic wrap and use a meat pounder to pound each portion to ½ inch thickness.
You might also like:
Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Breast
Tangerine Glazed Chicken at A Communal Table
Paprika Chicken at Angie’s Recipes
Kelly
April 18 at 10:23 amWOW how gorgeous!! I am absolutely making this, your pictures are fantastic!
spcookiequeen
April 18 at 10:38 amI can’t get enough of the Meyers, they are getting harder to find now though. I think everyone is on to their amazingness. I make a lot of chicken too, will keep this one in mind. Hope you have a great week.
-Gina-
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April 18 at 10:47 amGorgeous photo – this is so “my kind” of chicken dish!!! Perfect as is or would be great sliced over a salad or in a sandwich… definitely think I need to make this this week!!!
Thank you Priscilla for the link love!!
RavieNomNoms
April 18 at 11:07 amYummy!! That sounds like a great dish for summer time! I love lemon and chicken together, I really think it is a great combination. Your pictures are so awesome too!
Sandra's Easy Cooking
April 18 at 11:11 amWhat a great and refreshing Chicken recipe..I love your presentation and photos too! Thanks so much for sharing Priscilla!
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April 18 at 12:00 pmThis looks so fresh and tasty. I bet the left overs would be awesome on a next day salad too. I have a meyer lemon waiting for me at home and now a recipe to use it in!
Tanantha @ I Just Love My Apron
April 18 at 3:23 pmyeah this is easy and healthy dish especially for weekdays!
Victoria
April 18 at 5:58 pmGreat seasonal preparation of chicken! It definitely a good go-to protein and there are so many lovely ways to cook it!
bunkycooks
April 18 at 6:19 pmAs you know, Meyer Lemons have my vote! They are perfect with chicken. This is a delightful dinner recipe that is quick and easy.
kita
April 18 at 6:43 pmI was just thinking that its about time for the grill and chicken to meet up once again for the season. This looks beautiful.
Monet
April 18 at 9:44 pmThis looks so good…and reminds me of leisurely Sunday dinners at my parents house. We love grilled chicken! Thank you for sharing with me today. Your creations and your appreciation for good food and a full life are inspiring. It is always a pleasure to visit you. I hope you have a bountiful week!
yesim
April 18 at 11:47 pmlooks great.. the chicken breast normally not so tasty , it need strong marine with delicious flavors, this idea seems great..
Juliana
April 19 at 1:17 pmWow, what a great chicken dish…love the lemon in it…absolutely gorgeous, very inviting. Have a great week ahead 🙂
Dawn Sandomeno
April 19 at 3:30 pmThat looks heavenly! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Emily @ Life On Food
April 19 at 4:47 pmI want to buy a lemon meyer tree just so I can lemons to make dishes like this. Lovely!
Priscilla
April 19 at 8:17 pmThanks ladies! Glad to see you appreciate a Fast + Fresh recipe that’s healthy and super easy 🙂
Angie's Recipes
April 19 at 10:51 pmWhat an awesome dish! Looks yummilicious!
Sara
April 20 at 5:14 pmOh I need to take advantage of the last few meyer lemons I have to make this chicken because it really looks delicious!
Priscilla
April 20 at 6:21 pmThanks for all compliments! I haven’t seen any Meyer Lemons in the past two weeks, so the season is drawing to a close I think 🙁
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet }
April 23 at 11:08 amThis is a MUST make for me! The idea of lemon and chicken together is a marriage made in heaven. Happy Mother’s Day!!!!
Priscilla
April 23 at 2:18 pm@Lisa – Happy Mother’s Day! You’re really thinking ahead! Thank you 🙂
@Magic of Spice – That was the last of my Meyer Lemons!
Magic of Spice
April 23 at 12:39 pmI love the idea of your gremolata with meyer lemons, nice!
Grilling season is upon us 🙂