Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemon and rosemary, finished with a luscious garlic herb butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh rosemary leaves 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté gently for 2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Once chicken is cooked, transfer to a serving plate and spoon the warm garlic herb butter over each breast. Serve immediately, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter 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-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter?
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-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter?
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-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter 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-Rosemary Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter?
Mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing recipe! The rosemary and lemon are a match made in heaven. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
My husband loved it! So easy to make and looked beautiful on the plate.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a summer barbecue. The garlic herb butter made it so flavorful!