Fire up the grill and prepare your taste buds for a burst of flavor with this zesty clean recipe! Marinated in a tangy blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus, this dish is perfect for summer cookouts or any occasion when you crave a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 lemons, juiced and zested
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices for garnish
Fresh parsley for garnish
Roasted Vegetables
Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, onions)
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Once done, remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish the lemon herb grilled chicken with lemon slices and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Roasted Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
ENJOY YOUR CLEAN RECIPE!
Benefits of this meal
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall cellular function. With minimal fat and calories, it's an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight while meeting their protein needs. Additionally, chicken breast is rich in vitamins and minerals such as niacin, selenium, and phosphorus, which play vital roles in metabolism, immune function, and bone health.
Lemons: Bursting with vitamin C, lemons provide a potent antioxidant boost that strengthens the immune system and promotes collagen production for healthy skin and connective tissues. The citric acid in lemons aids digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid, supporting gut health and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, the flavonoids in lemons have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, contributing to overall disease prevention and wellness.
Fresh Herbs: Each herb in this recipe offers its unique array of health benefits. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron, supporting bone health, blood clotting, and immune function. Thyme is loaded with antioxidants like thymol and carvacrol, which have antimicrobial properties and may help lower blood pressure and improve respiratory health. Rosemary contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and carnosol, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, supporting brain health and cognitive function.
Olive Oil: As the primary source of fat in this recipe, olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols, olive oil helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation, protecting against chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. Additionally, the oleic acid in olive oil supports healthy cell membranes and may improve insulin sensitivity, making it a valuable component of a balanced diet.
Garlic: Garlic is renowned for its potent medicinal properties, thanks to its high content of sulfur compounds like allicin, alliin, and ajoene. These compounds have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects, bolstering the immune system and warding off infections. Garlic also contains organosulfur compounds that support cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. Furthermore, garlic may have anticancer properties, inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells in various studies.
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this zesty lemon herb grilled chicken for a mouthwatering meal that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body from the inside out!
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