Go Back
+ servings

Grilled Lemon Chicken With Vegetables - Bright, Simple, and Satisfying

No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs), pounded to even thickness or sliced horizontally
  • Lemons: Zest and juice of 2 lemons (about 1/3 cup juice)
  • Olive oil: 1/3 cup extra-virgin
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Dried oregano: 1.5 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon (optional but great)
  • Kosher salt: 1.5 teaspoons, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, 1 medium red onion, 1 medium zucchini, 1 small yellow squash
  • Optional add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or mushrooms
  • Fresh herbs for finishing: Parsley or dill, chopped
  • Lemon wedges: For serving
  • Equipment: Grill or grill pan, tongs, large bowl or zip-top bag, instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken. If your chicken breasts are thick on one end, pound them gently to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch). This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
  2. Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—look for a bright, slightly salty, garlicky profile.
  3. Marinate. Add chicken to a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour in about two-thirds of the marinade. Reserve the remaining third for the vegetables. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge. Don’t go overnight; too much acid can make the texture mealy.
  4. Prep the vegetables. Slice bell peppers into thick strips, onion into wedges, and zucchini/yellow squash into 1/2-inch rounds or long planks. Toss with the reserved marinade and a pinch of extra salt.
  5. Heat the grill. Preheat to medium-high (about 425–450°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, heat it until it’s hot and lightly brush with oil.
  6. Grill the vegetables first. Place peppers and onions on the hottest area, and zucchini/squash on a slightly cooler zone. Cook 3–5 minutes per side until tender with light char. Remove to a platter and tent with foil.
  7. Grill the chicken. Shake off excess marinade and place chicken on the hot side. Grill 4–6 minutes per side, flipping once, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest point. If browning too quickly, move to a cooler area to finish.
  8. Rest and finish. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill over the chicken and vegetables. Serve with lemon wedges for a final squeeze.
  9. Optional serving ideas. Plate over couscous, quinoa, or rice. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki. For extra pop, drizzle a little olive oil and a pinch of flaky salt right before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!