Grilled Chicken Breast With Garlic Lemon Mari

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
Zesty garlic and lemon marinade infuses tender chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors.
Grilled Chicken Breast With Garlic Lemon Mari recipe image

Grilled Chicken Breast With Garlic Lemon Mari

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 144.3

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

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, cumin (if using), and salt until well combined.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow glass or ceramic dish large enough to hold them in a single layer.
  3. 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.
  4. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
  5. 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.
  6. Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

Keywords: chicken, grilled, lemon, garlic, mediterranean, marinade, healthy, low carb, keto, gluten free, easy dinner, weeknight meal, broiled chicken, herb marinade, cumin, olive oil, fresh lemon, minced garlic, protein, simple
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