Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 lemons (for zesting and juicing) - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon natural honey - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Do choose fresh lemons. Fresh zest and juice give the best flavor. - Do use fresh basil. Dried basil lacks the bright taste you need. - Don’t skip the honey. It balances the tartness of the lemon. - Don’t use pre-minced garlic. Fresh garlic has a stronger, better taste. - If you don't have fresh basil, try using parsley for a different taste. - You can replace olive oil with avocado oil for a unique flavor. - If you want sweetness, agave syrup can substitute honey. - For a lemony twist, use lime juice instead of lemon juice. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped basil, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, mix the lemon zest and juice. Add the olive oil, basil, garlic, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together. This creates a bright and tasty marinade that brings the flavors alive. Next, take your chicken breasts. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the lemon basil marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is coated well. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Now, put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours. When you are ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil. This step keeps the chicken from sticking. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the extra drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the heated grill. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) and have nice grill marks. After grilling, let the chicken rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. When ready, slice the chicken and serve it with extra basil and lemon slices for a fresh touch. To get the best flavor, always marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 4 hours. This extra time allows the flavors to soak in deeply. Use a plastic bag or a shallow dish for easy coating. Make sure the chicken is well-covered with the marinade. This ensures every piece gets that bright lemon and fresh basil taste. To achieve those perfect grill marks, heat your grill to medium-high before adding the chicken. Brush the grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill and resist the urge to move it around. Let it cook for 6-7 minutes on one side before flipping. This allows the grill to create those nice lines. Flip only once to keep the juices inside. After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps keep the meat juicy. When ready to serve, slice the chicken and add a touch of fresh basil and lemon slices for a bright look. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds extra flavor. Enjoy your meal with a side salad or grilled veggies for a complete dish. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth of Flavor: For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, making it more flavorful and tender. Check Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. This ensures a nice sear and prevents sticking. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it Rest: Always let your grilled chicken rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavor by using different herbs. Try parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist. Dill brings a nice brightness, while thyme adds a warm touch. Each herb changes the vibe of the dish. Experiment with what you like best! Feel free to add your own spin to the marinade. Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a zesty kick. Add a splash of soy sauce for a savory depth. A dash of red pepper flakes can give it a spicy boost. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a different sweetness. The options are endless! Grilling gives a smoky taste that many love. However, oven-baking is easy and still yields tasty chicken. To bake, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Both methods work well, so choose what fits your schedule! Store leftover Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it first. Place it in the fridge for up to four days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep it fresh and juicy. To reheat the chicken, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. In the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check to avoid overcooking. To freeze, ensure the chicken is completely cool. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This chicken can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you want a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. But don't go over 24 hours. The meat can become mushy if marinated too long. Grilled chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Let it rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps keep the moisture in. Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are richer in flavor and stay moist while cooking. They may need a slightly longer grill time. Adjust your cooking time to ensure they reach the right temperature. Enjoy the different taste! To grill chicken that is both tasty and tender, follow our steps closely. We covered key ingredients, marinade methods, and grilling techniques. Remember to choose fresh ingredients and consider substitutes if needed. Rest your chicken after grilling for the best flavor. You can also explore variations to keep things exciting. Finally, store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal every time. Happy grilling!$

Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated with lemon, basil, and garlic.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 pieces lemons (for zesting and juicing)
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
0.25 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon natural honey
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and lemon juice. Add the olive oil, chopped basil, minced garlic, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended to create a vibrant marinade.
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish that can be covered. Pour the lemon basil marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each breast is thoroughly coated.
Seal the plastic bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For intensified flavors, allow the chicken to marinate for up to 4 hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Once marinated, take the chicken from the bag or dish and let any excess marinade drip off (discard the remaining marinade). Place the chicken breasts directly onto the heated grill.
Grill the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and achieve beautiful grill marks on the surface.
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This process helps retain moisture before slicing.
When ready to serve, slice the grilled chicken and present it garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and slices of lemon for a pop of color and added zest, if desired.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.

Keyword basil, chicken, grilled, lemon, marinade