Imagine a chicken dish so vibrant and refreshing that it instantly transports your taste buds to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline. Our Lemon Dill Grilled Chicken is not just another recipe—it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen in your own kitchen. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon, aromatic fresh dill, and perfectly grilled chicken, this dish promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary, leaving your family and guests craving more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F), cleaning and lightly oiling the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill, cooking for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- During grilling, avoid moving chicken too frequently. Allow nice grill marks to form and ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, transfer chicken to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired, and serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent dry, tough meat.
- Marination Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 15-20 minutes allow the lemon and dill to deeply infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
- Grill Like a Pro: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and clean the grates to prevent sticking. A well-oiled, hot grill creates those beautiful, appetizing grill marks.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Always discard the used marinade and use a clean plate when transferring cooked chicken.
- The Thermometer Test: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Rest and Relax: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Garnish for Glamour: A sprinkle of fresh dill just before serving adds a burst of color and an extra layer of herbal freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
