Half-Herb Grilled Chicken with Lemon Garlic Marinade

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant lemon garlic sauce with fresh herbs, split perfectly to retain flavor and tenderness. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes blends lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 halves of boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz total) into a shallow dish and pour the marinade over, turning to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks appear.
  4. Step 4: Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Herb Grilled Chicken with Lemon Garlic Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Half-Herb Grilled Chicken with Lemon Garlic Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Herb Grilled Chicken with Lemon Garlic Marinade?

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 Half-Herb Grilled Chicken with Lemon Garlic Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-Herb Grilled Chicken with Lemon Garlic Marinade?

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.

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