Zesty Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken
Elevate your next meal with this Zesty Grilled Lemon Basil Chicken recipe! The vibrant combination of fresh lemon juice and aromatic basil creates a delightful marinade that perfectly infuses the chicken with flavor. Ideal for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Paired with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables, it’s a light and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
1/2 cup (Olive oil recommended for flavor, but any cooking oil works.)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.)
White wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (Adds acidity to the marinade.)
Grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon (Use a microplane for fine zest.)
Garlic cloves
2 (Crushed or minced.)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground is preferable.)
Fresh basil
1/2 cup (Chopped; substitute with 1 tablespoon dried basil if fresh is unavailable.)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (Halved for quicker cooking.)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, grated lemon peel, crushed garlic, pepper, and chopped basil until well combined.
2
Place the halved chicken breasts in a shallow glass dish or resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
3
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag, then refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for even better flavor, marinate overnight.
4
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5
Grill or broil the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
7
Serve the grilled chicken garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What type of oil is recommended for the marinade?
Olive oil is recommended for its flavor, although any cooking oil works.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed.
Is there a specific vinegar used in the marinade?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
How much lemon peel should I use?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel.
What tool should I use for the lemon zest?
A microplane is recommended for creating a fine lemon zest.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Two garlic cloves are used in this recipe.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be crushed or minced.
What is the measurement for the pepper?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, ideally freshly ground.
How much fresh basil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil.
Can I substitute dried basil for fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 cup of fresh basil with 1 tablespoon of dried basil.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared?
They should be halved to ensure quicker cooking on the grill.
What is the minimum marinating time?
The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes.
What is the ideal marinating duration for better flavor?
For even better flavor, it is recommended to marinate the chicken overnight.
What heat setting should the grill be on?
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
How long does the chicken take to grill per side?
Grill the chicken for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Should the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What are suggested garnishes for the dish?
Garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh basil leaves.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
A fresh salad or grilled vegetables are excellent pairings for this light meal.
In what should I marinate the chicken?
Use a shallow glass dish or a resealable plastic bag.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Whisk together the oil, lemon juice, vinegar, peel, garlic, pepper, and basil in a medium-sized bowl.
Should I remove excess marinade before grilling?
Yes, allow any excess marinade to drip off the chicken before placing it on the heat.
Can I use a broiler instead of a grill?
Yes, the recipe can be prepared using either a grill or a broiler.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a vibrant combination of zesty lemon and aromatic basil.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is simple to prepare and quick enough for a weeknight meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken dishes.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include grilled chicken, lemon chicken, basil chicken, and healthy chicken.