Lemon Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Lime Chicken is a bright and zesty dish perfect for a refreshing meal any time of year. The citrus marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with vibrant flavors. It’s simple to prepare and great for grilling.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 small pieces)
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and diced onion to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to 400ºF. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes after grilling. Serve garnished with fresh snipped cilantro or parsley and lemon and lime wedges if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you don’t have a grill, cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake at 400ºF for 20-25 minutes.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet to keep it moist. The marinated uncooked chicken should be used within 1-2 days of refrigeration.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier during grilling. Adjust cooking time as thighs can take a little longer.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon or lime juice?
Fresh juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled lemon or lime juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar or preservatives.
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Lemon Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Lemon Lime Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh lemon and lime juice, garlic, and diced onion. The chicken is grilled to perfection at 400ºF, delivering vibrant citrus flavors balanced with aromatic garlic and spices. Ideal for a refreshing summer meal with a bright, tangy profile.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 small pieces)
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/3 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into a large Ziploc or resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to 400ºF (about medium-high heat), ensuring it is properly cleaned and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 10 minutes on each side. Check for doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, making the chicken moist and tender. Optionally, garnish with freshly snipped cilantro or parsley and serve with lemon and lime wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 8 hours or overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
- Fresh lemon and lime juice provide the best flavor; avoid bottled juices if possible.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon Lime Chicken, grilled chicken, citrus chicken marinade, healthy chicken recipe, summer chicken
