Grilled Chicken Breast With Garlic Lemon Mari
Description
This simple yet elegant dish features juicy chicken breasts bathed in a vibrant marinade of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and aromatic olive oil. The acidity of the lemon tenderizes the meat while the garlic adds a savory depth that complements the natural flavor of the chicken. A touch of black pepper and optional cumin provides a warm, subtle spice kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light summer lunch, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or over rice for a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.Ingredients
Directions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, cumin (if using), and salt until well combined.
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Place the chicken breasts in a shallow glass or ceramic dish large enough to hold them in a single layer.
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Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, then flip the breasts and pour the remaining marinade over the other side, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
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Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven broiler to high, positioning the rack about 4-6 inches from the heat source.
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Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.
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Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or broil for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165&# 194;°F (74ðC) and juices run clear.
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Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes before slicing, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 144.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.3g24%
- Saturated Fat 2.2g12%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2438.2mg102%
- Total Carbohydrate 2.4g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
- Sugars 0.2g
- Protein 0.5g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out.
Variation: For a herbaceous twist, omit the cumin and reduce black pepper to 1/2 teaspoon. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of minced fresh rosemary to the marinade. This works beautifully for both chicken and firm white fish.
Safety: Never reuse marinade that has touched raw meat unless it is boiled vigorously for at least 2 minutes first. If you wish to use the marinade as a sauce, set aside a portion before adding the chicken.
Tip: Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating to ensure uniform cooking.