Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Charred Vegetables
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in bright lemon and fresh tarragon, paired with smoky charred summer vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs fresh lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh tarragon 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh tarragon leaves
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds zucchini
- 1 large, cut into 1-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, up to 2 hours, to infuse flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Toss 2 sliced medium zucchinis and 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1-inch strips with 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear, turning once. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: While chicken rests, grill the vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred, turning occasionally.
- Step 6: Serve the grilled chicken sliced alongside the charred vegetables, spooning any resting juices over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Charred Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Tarragon Chicken with Charred Vegetables?
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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Charred Vegetables?
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-Tarragon Chicken with Charred Vegetables 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.
Is Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Charred Vegetables low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.