Zesty Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken with Herbal Gremolata
Elevate your dinner game with this Zesty Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken! Juicy, tender chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy lemon juice and robust black pepper blend, then grilled to perfection. Finished with a fresh and aromatic thyme gremolata, this dish bursts with flavor and is sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time - just marinate the chicken the night before for an even deeper flavor experience. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
6
Servings
270
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (coarse ground)
salt
to taste (as desired)
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (high-quality)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 whole (about 2 1/4 pounds) (halved)
fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, ground black pepper, and a generous pinch of salt.
2
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the marinade is well emulsified.
3
Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure even cooking.
4
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill rack to prevent sticking.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the thyme leaves, minced garlic, and lemon zest to make the gremolata. Mix well and set aside.
7
Once the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the marinade.
8
Grill the chicken on an oiled rack, about 5-6 inches over direct heat, cooking for about 2-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
9
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve topped with the thyme gremolata, garnished with lemon slices and sprigs of thyme.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
0.67g
Carbs
20.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken?
It is a dish of juicy chicken breasts marinated in lemon and black pepper, grilled, and finished with a fresh herbal gremolata.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, you can leave it overnight.
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh lemon juice, coarse ground black pepper, salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
What is the recommended thickness for the chicken breasts?
You should pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure even cooking.
How do I prepare the gremolata?
In a separate bowl, combine finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, and freshly grated lemon zest.
At what temperature should I set the grill?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
How long does the chicken need to cook on the grill?
The chicken typically takes about 2 to 4 minutes per side over direct heat.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 270 calories.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is very low in carbs, containing only about 0.67g per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides approximately 20.67g of protein.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content per serving is 22g.
Why should I pound the chicken before grilling?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that all parts cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
Can I reuse the marinade after removing the chicken?
No, you should discard the excess marinade once the chicken is removed for grilling for safety reasons.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill rack before placing the chicken on it.
What should I serve with this lemon pepper chicken?
It pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.
How many garlic cloves are used in the gremolata?
This recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of black pepper is best?
Fresh coarse ground black pepper provides the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, its zesty and fresh flavors make it perfect for summer outdoor cooking.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While you can, freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best results.
How much lemon zest is needed for the gremolata?
You will need 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
Should the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
How many whole chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts, totaling about 2 1/4 pounds.
What is the purpose of the thyme gremolata?
It serves as a fresh, aromatic garnish that adds a final burst of flavor to the cooked chicken.
Can I make this recipe for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, especially if you marinate the chicken ahead of time, the actual grilling process is very fast.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The recipe data indicates that there is no significant fiber content in this dish.
How far from the heat should the chicken be grilled?
The chicken should be grilled about 5-6 inches over direct heat.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include grilled chicken, lemon pepper, thyme gremolata, barbecue, and summer grilling.