Summer calls for sunshine, laughter — and quick, delicious meals that keep you out of a hot kitchen. That’s why I love easy summer dinner recipe like Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. It’s juicy, full of fresh flavor, and ready in no time, perfect for those relaxed evenings when you want something satisfying without the stress..
Why You’ll Love Summer recipe dinner easy
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this meal takes about 30 minutes!
- Light and Fresh: The lemon and herbs infuse the chicken with a vibrant, summery flavor.
- Perfect for Outdoor Dining: Fire up the grill and enjoy cooking al fresco.
- Healthy and Satisfying: High in protein and low in fat, it fits beautifully into a healthy lifestyle.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want a no-stress weekday meal, this easy summer dinner recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple, crowd-pleasing dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 lemons — one for zesting and juicing, the other thinly sliced for a fresh garnish.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: extra herbs for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions to perfect Summer recipe dinner easy
Step 1: Prep the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Gently coat the grill grates with a thin layer of oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill and cook each side for 6–8 minutes, or until beautifully charred and the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest briefly, then garnish with fresh lemon slices and a handful of herbs before serving.
Storage Tips and Safety
- To store leftovers, place the chicken in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Ensure the grilled chicken has fully cooled before placing it in the freezer for later use.
- Reheat Safely: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through to avoid drying it out.
Confirm that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to enjoy.
What to Serve with Summer recipe dinner easy
Pair your Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with fresh, vibrant sides to complete the perfect summer meal! Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are perfect.
- Summer Salads: Think cucumber-tomato salad or a simple arugula and parmesan mix.
- Light Pasta Dishes: Lemon butter pasta or basil pesto pasta make excellent accompaniments.
- Chilled White Wine or Lemonade: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a homemade lemonade pairs beautifully.
Conclusion About Summer recipes dinner easy
When it comes to summer recipes dinner easy, nothing beats a simple, flavorful dish like Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken. It’s quick to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for soaking up those summer vibes.
So grab your tongs, fire up the grill, and make tonight a celebration of everything summer has to offer!
More Resources
Looking to keep your summer dinners exciting and full of flavor? Here are some handpicked recipes and guides that will help you beat the heat and impress your guests:
- Vegetable Stir-Fry for Dinner
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Watermelon Lemonade Summer Drink
- Blackberry Lemonade Summer Drink
Whether you’re planning a poolside feast or a cozy patio dinner, these resources will make your summer evenings unforgettable!
FAQs About Summer recipes dinner easy
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and just as flavorful. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may need a couple more minutes.
Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What herbs can I substitute?
Feel free to use basil, oregano, or dill if you don’t have rosemary or thyme on hand.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
To bring out the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling. But if you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will infuse great taste!
Print
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken – Summer Recipes Dinner Easy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is light, juicy, and bursting with zesty flavor — the perfect summer dinner that’s both easy and satisfying. Marinated in lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, it grills up in just minutes, making it an ideal recipe for warm evenings or backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
2 lemons (1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced for garnish)
-
3 tablespoons olive oil
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
-
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
-
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
Optional: extra parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. -
Preheat the Grill:
Set your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. -
Grill the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred. -
Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and herbs, then serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutions: Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts; adjust grilling time accordingly.
No Grill? You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled veggies, fresh summer salads, or light pasta dishes.
Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: summer recipes dinner easy, grilled lemon herb chicken, easy summer dinner, lemon chicken grill, healthy summer meals