Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon, onion, and mustard mixture, perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced onion, salt, thyme, and green peppercorn mustard.
- With a sharp knife, score both sides of each chicken breast in a crosshatch pattern, about 1/8-inch deep.
- Pour one-third of the marinade into a shallow glass bowl.
- Add half of the chicken breasts in a single layer and cover with another third of the marinade.
- Add the remaining chicken breasts and cover with the remaining marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours to marinate.
- Bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking.
- Preheat the broiler and grill the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just three hours. If you don’t have green peppercorn mustard, regular Dijon can be used as a substitute. Adjust the salt to your taste, especially if your mustard is salty. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out quickly on the grill.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled marinated chicken breasts with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a light meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Buttered Honey Chicken Bites for a delightful contrast. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with Microwaved Scalloped Potatoes, which complement the savory flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it on low power, but be cautious to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts contains roughly 62 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just increase the marinating time to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat. Additionally, cooking times will vary, so make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
What can I do with leftover marinade?
It's best to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to avoid contamination. If you want to use it as a sauce, bring it to a boil and simmer for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria before serving it over the cooked chicken.
Can I grill this chicken on a gas grill?
Absolutely! Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Follow the same cooking times as in the recipe, turning the chicken occasionally for even grilling. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).