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Grilled Lemon Chicken 🍋🔥🍗


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale
(Serves 4)

Chicken & marinade:

  • lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay juicier—you love rich flavor!)
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup juice—you love citrus!)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For serving:

  • Extra lemon slices
  • Fresh parsley or oregano
  • Optional sides:
    → Grilled zucchini or asparagus (low-carb—you love this!)
    → Greek salad or cauliflower rice

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken:

In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate 15–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

2. Grill:

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
  2. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade).
  3. Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side (breasts) or 5–7 minutes per side (thighs), until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are lightly charred.

3. Rest & serve:

Let rest 5 minutes. Slice if desired. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
Don’t over-marinate—citrus can toughen chicken beyond 4 hours.
Pat chicken dry before grilling—ensures better sear.
Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Skip added salt; rely on lemon and herbs for brightness
→ Boost umami with extra garlic and olive oil
Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally zero-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 2g/serving
Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Already compliant! <3g net carbs/serving
→ Increase healthy fats: extra olive oil drizzle
Make ahead:
→ Marinate chicken up to 4 hours
→ Cooked chicken keeps 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen

Storage & Serving Ideas

Fridge life: 4 days | Freezer: 3 months
Serving ideas:
→ Over grain-free salads
→ In lettuce wraps with tzatziki
→ With roasted veggies for easy weeknight dinner

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):

Prep Time: 10 min (+15 min marinate) | Cook Time: 12 min | Total Time: 37 min
Calories: 280 | Protein: 32g | Net Carbs: 2g | Fats: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Gluten-Free • Low-Sodium Adaptable • Blood Sugar Friendly • Low-Carb/Keto Friendly