Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred Broccoli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with lemon zest and cracked black pepper paired with smoky charred broccoli florets for a light, flavorful meal. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks appear.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, toss 4 cups broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves. Place broccoli in a grill basket or directly on the grill grates. Grill for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and broccoli from the grill. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve chicken breasts alongside the charred broccoli for a bright and smoky plate.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred Broccoli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lemon zest from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred Broccoli?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred Broccoli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Charred Broccoli?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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