Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken: The Ultimate Summer Delight

There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot grill on a warm summer evening. After a long day at work, when you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe comes to the rescue. The bright, zesty flavors combined with the smoky char from the grill create a mouthwatering dish that’s both impressive and incredibly simple to prepare. The tangy lemon juice tenderizes the meat while the black pepper adds that perfect kick of spice – creating chicken that’s juicy on the inside with beautifully caramelized edges. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or hosting friends for a weekend cookout, this easy Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

• ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for quick weeknight Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken dinners
• ✅ Simple marinade with pantry staples makes this the best Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken for beginners
• ✅ Versatile Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe that works for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining
• ✅ Healthy Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken option with high protein and low carbs
• ✅ The perfect Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken for summer BBQs with minimal cleanup
• ✅ Kid-friendly flavors that still satisfy adult palates

Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

For this delicious Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken, you’ll need:

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 2 medium lemons)
• 3 large cloves garlic, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (or olive oil for a Mediterranean twist)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 (10 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Lemon wedges for serving

Pro Ingredient Tips:

• For the best Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled
• If you don’t have Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard works as an excellent alternative
• For a spicier version, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to your marinade

How to Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated garlic, oil, chopped rosemary, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
2. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the marinade looks emulsified.
3. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the marinade for basting later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. This ensures better marinade absorption and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
2. For even cooking, butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, creating two thinner pieces of equal size.
3. Alternatively, pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the prepared chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor. For the best Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken, aim for 2 hours of marinating time.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375-425°F).
2. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush with the reserved marinade for an extra flavor boost.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Transfer the Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.
2. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial step keeps the juices inside the meat.
3. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

• Even Thickness is Key: The secret to perfectly cooked Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken is ensuring uniform thickness. Whether you butterfly or pound the chicken, this prevents dry overcooked spots.
• Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: While you can cook the chicken after just 30 minutes of marinating, allowing it to soak for 2-4 hours will dramatically improve the flavor and tenderness of your Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken.
• Watch Your Grill Temperature: Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool and you’ll miss those beautiful grill marks. The perfect Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken needs medium-high heat.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Stop guessing when your chicken is done! For food safety and perfect juiciness, cook your Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken to exactly 165°F internal temperature.
• Indoor Option: No grill? No problem! You can make this Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken on a grill pan or even bake it in the oven at 425°F for 22-25 minutes.

Best Ways to Serve Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

This versatile Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are some perfect companions:

• Fresh Summer Salads: Toss with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado for a light meal
• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled alongside your chicken make for an easy one-grill meal
• Hearty Grains: Serve over fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a satisfying dinner
• Pasta Options: Slice and add to pasta with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil
• Sandwich Style: Layer in a toasted ciabatta roll with arugula, tomato, and aioli for a delicious lunch option

For a complete summer feast, try serving this Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken with our Mediterranean Orzo Salad or Grilled Corn on the Cob.

Nutritional Information for Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

Per Serving (4 oz portion):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 640mg
• Potassium: 450mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

This Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein while remaining low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for those following keto or low-carb diets.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep and actually tastes amazing cold the next day!

For freezing, cool the chicken completely before placing in freezer-safe containers or bags. Properly stored, Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken will maintain quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat: For the juiciest leftover Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken, warm gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil, or microwave on 70% power with a damp paper towel over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

What is the best way to marinate Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken?

For the most flavorful Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken, marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. The acid from the lemon juice tenderizes the meat, but leaving it too long (over 8 hours) can actually make the texture mushy. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will add some flavor.

How long do you grill Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken?

Typically, Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken breasts take about 4-5 minutes per side when pounded to an even thickness. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F rather than relying solely on cooking time. Thicker pieces will need more time, while thinner cutlets will cook faster.

Can you use lemon pepper seasoning instead of fresh ingredients?

Yes! While this recipe uses fresh lemon juice and black pepper for the best flavor, you can substitute 2-3 tablespoons of store-bought lemon pepper seasoning mixed with 2 tablespoons of oil for a quick marinade. However, fresh ingredients will give your Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken a more vibrant, authentic taste.

What sides go well with Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken?

Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired sides like Greek salad, roasted potatoes with herbs, steamed asparagus, lemon rice, or grilled vegetables. The bright, zesty flavors also complement creamy sides like mashed potatoes or risotto for a more indulgent meal.

Conclusion

With its bright flavors and simple preparation, this Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. The combination of tangy lemon, aromatic rosemary, and peppery bite creates chicken that’s moist, flavorful, and versatile enough to enjoy all summer long. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.

Have you tried making this Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken? Let us know in the comments how you served it and what sides you paired it with! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family looking for easy, delicious grilling ideas.

Now you know how to make the best Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken at home – happy grilling!

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