Hey everyone! I’m excited to share one of my favorite recipes with you today: Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken. This dish is a go-to for summer barbecues and family dinners, and once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your favorites too! The juicy, flavorful chicken with a zesty lemon kick is absolutely irresistible. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 1/5 pounds chicken breast (about 4-6 breasts)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (adds richness and helps with grilling)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons, depending on size)
- 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper (for that classic lemon pepper flavor)
- Zest from the lemons (adds extra citrusy brightness)
- Salt, to taste (enhances all the flavors)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by preparing your marinade. In a large ziplock bag or a glass container, combine the chicken breasts, avocado oil, lemon juice, coarse black pepper, lemon zest, and salt. Seal the bag or cover the container, then mix everything together, making sure each piece of chicken is well coated. I like to give the bag a good shake to ensure the marinade covers all sides of the chicken. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours, shaking or stirring once during that time to redistribute the marinade. (Remember, don’t marinate for too long, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken.)
Tip: Marinating for about 2 hours allows the flavors to infuse the chicken without making it too acidic.
2. Heat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This usually means getting the grill to around 375°F to 450°F. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts over direct heat. Grill for about 8 minutes on the first side, creating those beautiful grill marks.
3. Finish Cooking Over Indirect Heat
After 8 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and move them to indirect heat (this means moving them away from directly over the fire or coals). Continue grilling for another 7-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It’s the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked—juicy and safe to eat.
4. Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Serve your Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken with your favorite veggies and carbs—grilled asparagus and roasted potatoes are always a great choice.
Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. Marinating for longer than this can cause the lemon juice to start breaking down the chicken, which might result in a mushy texture.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of avocado oil?
Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with other oils like olive oil or vegetable oil. Avocado oil is preferred because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but other oils will work as well.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the lemon pepper chicken in a grill pan on the stove or bake it in the oven. For the oven, preheat to 375°F and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer, which is the most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked through
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely! The lemon pepper marinade works great with other meats like pork, fish, or even tofu. Just adjust the marinating time depending on the type and thickness of the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken is a surefire hit at any barbecue or dinner table. The zesty lemon combined with the peppery kick makes for a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do!
Happy grilling!
