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    Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken

    Published: May 24, 2018 Modified: Apr 11, 2020 by Karen Kelly This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Grilling season is upon us and this Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken is all you need to host a successful cookout.  Marinating the chicken breast overnight in a lemon, olive oil, and thyme marinade makes them tender and flavorful.  {gluten free, whole30, paleo, keto}

    Grilled lemon thyme chicken on white parchment paper

    Grilled chicken is such a classic dish but it's so hard to get it right!  It often comes out tough and dry but not when you marinate it like I did with this Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken.

    This chicken comes out tender and flavorful every time if you follow my directions. Adding some simple grilled vegetables on the side makes this the perfect summer dish.  I like to do a big batch of grilled chicken on Sunday and keep it in the fridge for salads and grain bowls all week.  It's so much better than that packaged grilled chicken that's stuffed with all kinds of preservatives.

    Grilled lemon thyme chicken with grilled zucchini

    HOW TO MAKE TENDER GRILLED CHICKEN

    There are a few tricks of the trade that are non-negotiable...

    You have to trim the fat from your chicken breasts and pound them out.  I like to pound them to an even thickness which helps them to cook evenly on the grill. Just place them between two pieces of wax paper and pound those babies out with a meat mallet.

    If you want even more tenderness and flavor it helps to marinate them overnight.  Lemon juice and olive oil works wonders on chicken breasts!

    HOW LONG SHOULD YOU COOK GRILLED CHICKEN

    In order to get the cooking time right, you must have a meat thermometer.  I like this one or you can also use one made specifically for grilling which has a longer handle.   It takes all of the guesswork out of grilling.

    Generally, I would say chicken breasts of this size would take 6-8 minutes per side. They must reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.  They will continue to cook for a bit when you take them off the grill.  Always put meat on a plate covered with foil and let it rest a minute or two before slicing.  Save all the yummy juices that come out of it too!

    Check out my recipe for Grilled Chicken Souvlaki for more instructions on grilling chicken.

    Grilled lemon thyme chicken with grilled zucchini on a sheet pan

    WHAT GOES WELL WITH GRILLED CHICKEN

    • Marinated Tomato Basil Salad
    • Watermelon Feta and Cucumber Salad
    • Quinoa with Zucchini and Tomatoes
    • Summer Chickpea Salad
    • Greek Pasta Salad
    • Cauliflower Tabbouleh
    • Corn on the Cob Made in the Oven!

    Any of these sides will complete your meal!

    Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken on a sheet pan

    Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken

    Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken

    Grilling season is upon us and this Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken is all you need to host a successful cookout.  Marinating the chicken breast overnight in a lemon, olive oil, and thyme marinade makes them tender and flavorful.  {gluten free, whole30, paleo, keto}
    4.70 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Keyword: grilled chicken
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 372kcal

    Ingredients

    • 4 chicken breasts, trimmed of fat and pounded out
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 lemons, juiced
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
    • 5 thyme sprigs, leaves removed
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions

    • Place chicken breast between 2 pieces of waxed paper and pound with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness.
    • Whisk lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl.  Place chicken breasts in a plastic ziptop bag and add marinade.  Place in a bowl to prevent leakage and place in fridge overnight.
    • When ready to cook preheat grill to medium high.  Make sure grates are clean and wipe with an olive oil spritzed paper towel.
    • When heated place chicken breasts on grill and do not move.  Cook 8 minutes on one side then flip.  You may have to turn grill down to medium depending on the power of your grill.
    • Begin checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.  When temp reaches 165 degrees, remove chicken and place on a plate covered with foil.
    • Slice and serve immediately with any pan juices.  Garnish with more thyme.  

    Nutrition

    Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 845mg | Potassium: 919mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonal_cravings or tag #seasonal_cravings and I will repost on my stories.

    About Karen Kelly

    Hi, I'm Karen Kelly a certified health coach, freelance food writer, and blogger. At Seasonal Cravings, you will find wholesome gluten-free recipes and healthy lifestyle tips.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah

      May 30, 2018 at 9:22 pm

      5 stars
      Loved the lemon thyme chicken! Once I read the post, I couldn't wait to try it. I marinated a big batch all day Monday and then grilled them up for dinner. It was delicious! And we all agreed we loved it best leftover, sliced and served cold the next day. Thanks for yet another great go-to recipe!

      Reply
    2. Kelly Anthony

      January 24, 2019 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love making a bunch of grilled chicken on Sunday too. Now I can add some different flavors with your lemon and thyme chicken recipe. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    3. Ginny

      January 24, 2019 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      Dinner under 30 minutes is always a great thing. Love your clean flavoring and I'm going to share this with my sister.

      Reply
    4. Tracy

      January 24, 2019 at 7:42 pm

      5 stars
      Fast and delicious? Perfect. I love lemon and thyme together. This was a huge hit!

      Reply
    5. Sharon

      January 24, 2019 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars
      I love this fresh and light chicken recipe. The lemon really brightens it up! Can't wait to try it.

      Reply
    6. Luci

      January 24, 2019 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy This would be a nice change to try out the next time my family has chicken.

      Reply
    7. Stephanie Marshall

      June 06, 2023 at 7:11 pm

      I have a new neighbor who fell and broke her shoulder. She is having shoulder replacement surgery today. She eats a gluten free diet. I want to prepare meals for her. Your page is SO helpful. I have several recipes “saved” just for her.
      Thank you

      Reply

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    Hello!

    I'm Karen Kelly a food and travel writer, health coach and recipe creator. At Seasonal Cravings you will find quick, healthy recipes and the best travel tips!

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