Lemon and pepper are bold flavors that bring out the grilled chicken’s smoky taste, making the whole dish super tasty. Let me show you how I made this grilled lemon pepper chicken dish.
Gathering Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts:
Let’s get ready to enjoy all the flavors we’re going to add.
Lemon pepper seasoning:
It’s a mix of cracked black pepper and lemon zest, and it’s gonna give a tangy, peppery punch.
Fresh lemons:
We’re gonna use both the zest and the juice. The zest has lots of oils that give a really strong lemon flavor, and the juice will add some acidity and brightness.
Olive oil:
This will help keep our chicken juicy while grilling and ensure the seasoning sticks to the chicken.
Black pepper:
Just a little more to add an extra kick.
Now, let’s mix these ingredients to make our marinade. We’ll start with olive oil as the base, then we’ll whisk in the lemon juice for some tanginess that also helps tenderize the chicken. Next, we’ll add some lemon zest and lemon pepper seasoning for a zesty kick, and a bit of black pepper for some warmth.
Marinating the Chicken
Creating the Marinade:
Pour about a quarter cup of olive oil into a big mixing bowl. This will be the base for our marinade, helping all the other flavors stick to the chicken.
Adding Lemon Zest and Juice:
Grab two fresh lemons and zest them right into the bowl. The zest is full of lemon oils, which are like flavor gold. Then, cut the lemons in half and squeeze out all that tangy juice. We’ll need about two tablespoons of juice to mix into your marinade.
Seasoning Time:
Sprinkle in two tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning. That’s what gives our ‘grilled lemon pepper chicken’ its tangy flavor. It’s a mix of dried lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and sometimes salt. Add a pinch of black pepper if you want to kick up the heat a bit.
Mix It Up:
Stir everything together until it’s all mixed well. We want it to be a little thicker and able to coat the back of a spoon.
Chicken Bath:
Put our chicken breasts in the marinade and make sure to coat each piece well on all sides. Every bite needs to be full of flavor.
Marinating Time:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and stick it in the fridge. Let it chill for about 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up all the flavors and get nice and tender.
Grilling the Chicken
Heat It:
Make sure our pellet grill is nice and hot, ready to go. We want it to be at a medium-high heat, around 165 degrees. If our grill has a thermometer, use it to check the temperature. If not, we can estimate when it’s ready by holding our hand about 5 inches above the grill. If we can keep it there for just 3-4 seconds before it feels too hot, that’s medium-high.
Chicken on the Grill:
Now, take our marinated chicken breasts and throw them on the grill. Listen for that sizzle — that’s the sound of deliciousness getting started.
Flip Time:
After about 6-8 minutes, it’s time to flip the chicken over. Use tongs to gently turn them. We’ll see those beautiful grill marks — that’s a sign you’re doing awesome!
Check the Temp:
After we’ve cooked the second side for another 6-8 minutes, it’s time to check the temperature. Stick the thickest part of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. We’re aiming for 165°F. That’s the safe temperature for chicken to be fully cooked and still juicy.
Rest and Relax:
Once the chicken reaches the correct temperature, take it off the grill and let it sit on a plate for a few minutes. This will help the juices settle, so every bite is juicy and full of flavor.
Finish
Resting:
After grilling, give our chicken a rest for around 5 minutes. This will help the juices spread out evenly, making sure every bite is juicy and tasty.
Slicing:
Slice the chicken into even strips against the grain. This not only makes it easier to eat but also shows off the juicy interior.
Arranging:
Arrange the slices on a plate in a nice pattern. This will show off our work and make it look really good.
Garnishing:
Throw in some lemon slices and a dash of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. It’ll give our dish a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Nutritional Value
It’s packed with protein, which is crucial for building and repairing muscles, and the lemon adds a boost of vitamin C to support your immune system. Plus, olive oil brings in healthy fats to make it a balanced meal.
Pairing this dish with nutritious sides will make it a well-rounded meal. Consider adding quinoa for extra protein and fiber, or some grilled vegetables for more vitamins and minerals. And hey, it’s also great as a post-workout meal!
Grilled lemon pepper chicken is perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner. It’s light enough for lunch but still satisfying for dinner. Pair it with a side salad or some grilled veggies, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s both healthy and delicious.
Related recipes
Lemon Pepper Grilled Wings:
These wings are a fun twist on the classic chicken wings. Just marinate them in a lemon-pepper mixture and grill until they’re nice and crispy. They’re perfect for game day or as a tasty snack.
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken:
Rub a whole chicken with a mixture of lemon zest, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and olive oil. Then roast it in the oven to get juicy meat on the inside and golden-brown skin.
Citrusy Chicken Salad:
Got some leftover grilled lemon pepper chicken? Throw it in with some mixed greens, orange and grapefruit slices, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a light and refreshing salad.
Check out Chickensavor.com for more tasty chicken recipes. I’m glad you can enjoy my share and have fun with it. Cooking is such a relaxing pleasure in life; just try and you’ll see!