Rosemary Lemon Grilled Chicken

Name: Rosemary Lemon Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Highlighted under: Easy Cooking Recipes

I absolutely love making Rosemary Lemon Grilled Chicken for summer gatherings. The combination of fresh rosemary and zesty lemon creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and savory. I marinate the chicken for a few hours to really let those flavors seep in, giving each bite a punch of citrus and herbal goodness. Grilling it to perfection adds a smoky char that elevates the dish, making it a favorite among friends and family. Trust me, this recipe is bound to impress anyone at your next barbecue!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:14:27.515Z

When I first tried Rosemary Lemon Grilled Chicken, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a complex flavor. The key is allowing the chicken to absorb the marinade for a good amount of time before grilling. I usually prepare the marinade early in the morning, so when it’s time to cook, the chicken is infused with all that herby goodness.

Grilling it not only adds a beautiful char but also locks in the moisture, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. A tip I picked up is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling—this keeps the juices intact, enhancing the overall flavor!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A harmonious blend of aromatic rosemary and vibrant lemon.
Tender and juicy chicken guaranteed with every bite.
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

      

Understanding the Marinade

The marinade for Rosemary Lemon Grilled Chicken plays a crucial role in flavor development. Olive oil serves as the base, helping to coat the chicken and lock in moisture during grilling. The acidity from the fresh lemon juice not only adds brightness but also tenderizes the meat. For the best results, consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice; the bottled varieties can lack the vibrancy essential for this dish.

Fresh rosemary contributes aromatic notes that are herbal and earthy, perfectly complementing the lemon. If fresh rosemary is unavailable, dried rosemary can be used, but reduce the amount to about one teaspoon as it is more concentrated. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as thyme or parsley to personalize the profile while maintaining the key lemony aspect.

Grilling Technique Tips

Achieving perfect grill marks comes down to maintaining the right grill temperature. Preheating your grill to medium-high (around 400°F or 200°C) is vital for searing the chicken. This high heat creates a caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy. To enhance flavor, consider adding a handful of wood chips, like hickory or applewood, to the grill, boosting that smoky essence.

When placing the chicken on the grill, ensure there's enough space between each piece; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling. I recommend using tongs to flip the chicken only once halfway through cooking (around 6–7 minutes on each side) to let those grill marks form beautifully. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C).

Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off the excess, and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a bit of heat. Also, if you have leftovers, this chicken is fantastic in salads or sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions

Rosemary Lemon Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with airy side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or a classic quinoa tabbouleh. These not only complement the bright flavors but also provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the succulent chicken. Don't forget to drizzle some extra lemon juice over your sides for an additional zesty kick.

For heartier pairings, grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers, make excellent choices. Toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. Additionally, a bed of herbed rice or lemon-infused couscous can be an elegant base that soaks up excess juices from the chicken.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're looking to streamline your meal prep, marinating the chicken the night before is a great time-saver. The flavors will deepen overnight, and you can then store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator until it's time to grill. If prepared chicken needs to be frozen, ensure it's well-sealed in a freezer-safe bag; it can hold flavor for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.

Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheate, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For added moisture, consider covering it with foil, which can help prevent drying out.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent than fresh.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Marinating too long may make the chicken too salty.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

This grilled chicken goes well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even rice pilaf.

→ Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling it?

Absolutely! Bake the marinated chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.