This Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal! Tender and juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a bright and zesty lemon pepper marinade, then grilled to perfection. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer, and it’s sure to become a new favorite for your backyard barbecues and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Zesty: The lemon pepper marinade infuses the chicken with a bright and zesty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes with minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Versatile: Grilled chicken is a lean protein source, and this dish can be paired with a variety of sides for a complete and balanced meal.
Perfect for Grilling: This recipe is ideal for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
Vegetable oil: Used in the marinade to help the chicken brown and retain moisture.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor to the marinade.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Lemon: You’ll use both the zest and the juice for a bright and zesty marinade.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

If your chicken breasts are thick, carefully slice them in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Alternatively, you can pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
In a bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 3 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375-425°F. Clean the grill grates if needed.
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill grates, perpendicular to the grates.
Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t over-marinate: Marinating the chicken for too long in the acidic lemon juice can make it tough.
Use a meat thermometer: This ensures that the chicken is cooked through to a safe temperature without overcooking it.
Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final dish.
Get creative with sides: This Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve

Main course: This Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken is a delicious and healthy main course for any occasion.
Salads: Slice the grilled chicken and add it to your favorite salads for extra protein and flavor.
Sandwiches: Use the grilled chicken in sandwiches, wraps, or paninis.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Adjust the grilling time accordingly.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze the grilled chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken!