There’s something about the smell of the grill heating up that makes you realize dinner is going to be good. I remember one evening, slightly distracted by a call from a friend, I almost left the chicken on the grill a little too long. But those lemon and herb aromas kept me coming back, and the result was tender, juicy chicken with just the right hint of char. It wasn’t perfect—some pieces had a little extra crisp—but honestly, that just made it taste more homey and real. It felt like a meal made with care, not rushed, even if my timing was a bit off. This is the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, savor a bite, and maybe even linger a bit longer at the table.
- Bright, fresh lemon juice combines with garlic and herbs for a marinade that’s both simple and flavorful.
- Low calorie and lean, this grilled chicken suits a healthy lifestyle without feeling like a sacrifice.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just good ingredients doing their thing.
- Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend cookout, with minimal cleanup.
- Because it’s so straightforward, the flavor depends a lot on fresh herbs and quality lemon juice; it might not wow if those are missing.
If you’re new to grilling chicken or worried about drying it out, don’t sweat it. Let the chicken rest a bit after grilling—it really helps keep it juicy. And if you want to switch things up, I’ve tried swapping oregano for rosemary, or adding a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick. Sometimes I toss the grilled chicken over a salad, other times I just eat it as is, with a squeeze of extra lemon.
Print
Low Calorie Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A healthy and flavorful low calorie chicken meal featuring grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Grill the chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Grilling equipment here is pretty standard—I usually just use my backyard grill, but a grill pan works too if the weather’s not cooperating. When serving, a light side of grilled veggies or a crisp green salad pairs nicely without overpowering the main attraction. You could try marinating the chicken longer for deeper flavor, though I haven’t tested it past two hours. A quick brush of olive oil before grilling helps prevent sticking, but it’s not mandatory. And if fresh herbs aren’t handy, dried ones do the job, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
FAQ
Can I make this chicken ahead of time? Yes, grilled chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently so it doesn’t dry out.
What if I don’t have a grill? You can cook this in a grill pan or even under a broiler—just watch it carefully.
Is it okay to marinate longer? Up to two hours is good. Beyond that, the lemon juice might start to ‘cook’ the chicken.
Can I use other herbs? Absolutely. Rosemary, basil, or thyme work well if you want to experiment.
Give this grilled lemon herb chicken a try next time you want a meal that’s light, bright, and full of homey charm. Save it, print it, and come back to it when you’re craving something simple but satisfying.