Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for the grilled chicken breasts with lemon garlic marinade?

While fresh is always best for optimal flavor, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. If using bottled, reduce the amount to 3 tablespoons since it's often more concentrated and acidic than fresh.

How do I know when my grilled chicken breasts with lemon garlic are done without a meat thermometer?

Without a thermometer, check that the juices run clear (not pink) when you pierce the thickest part of the breast. The chicken should feel firm but still have a slight spring when pressed. However, I strongly recommend investing in an inexpensive meat thermometer for food safety.

Can I make this grilled chicken breasts with lemon garlic recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! Use a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat, or bake in the oven at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Is it possible to marinate the chicken and then freeze it for later use?

Yes! This is a great meal prep hack. Combine the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight – the chicken will marinate as it thaws!

How can I make this grilled chicken breasts with lemon garlic recipe more kid-friendly?

If your kids are sensitive to strong flavors, reduce the garlic to 2 cloves and increase the honey to 2 tablespoons for a slightly sweeter profile. You can also cut the chicken into strips before marinating for fun "chicken fingers" that cook even faster.

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic: Easy Recipe to Flavor Boost Dinner 2025

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon Garlic: Easy Recipe to Flavor Boost Dinner

Print Recipe

These grilled chicken breasts with lemon garlic marinade come out perfectly juicy and flavorful every time. Quick to prep and foolproof to cook, they’re ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or casual summer grilling.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (approx. 2 lemons)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and honey until emulsified.
Marinate the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness if needed. Place in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over the chicken, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours).
Preheat Grill: Heat grill to medium-high (375–450°F). Clean and oil the grates.
Grill Chicken: Remove from marinade and grill 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing or flipping excessively.
Rest and Serve: Transfer to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Don’t marinate for more than 8 hours—the lemon juice can over-tenderize the meat. This recipe is perfect for meal prep: grill extra and use in salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast with marinade
Calories: 265
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0.2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: grilled chicken breasts, lemon garlic chicken, juicy grilled chicken, easy grilled chicken recipe, summer grilling

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/grilled-chicken-breasts-with-lemon-garlic/