
Juicy Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken Recipe – Easy & Flavorful!
Looking for a simple, healthy, and mouthwatering grilled chicken recipe? This Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken is juicy, aromatic, and packed with fresh flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer BBQs!
I often use this chicken for my BBQ gatherings. It goes with literally everything—pasta, rice dishes, salads—you name it.
Can you believe July 4th is only a week away? What happened to June? Are you planning a camping trip, a beach day, or a backyard BBQ with family and friends?
When I was a child, my family would head to the coast, usually Florence, Oregon, with some other families from church. All the kids were around the same age, so it was such a blast to go camping together.
We would usually stay at Honeyman Park, which was my absolute favorite. We’d play on the enormous sand dunes, rolling in the warm sand until it had gotten just about everywhere. Afterward, we’d cool off in the lake at the base of the dunes.
After a full day of fun in the sun, we’d head back to camp, clean up, and my dad would build a campfire. We’d grill something simple—hot dogs or hamburgers—and then light fireworks or sparklers and roast marshmallows. Oh, how I loved those days! Even now, summer is still my favorite time of year.
I may not go camping as often these days, but I still host plenty of get-togethers with family and friends around the grill, sometimes accompanied by an occasional bonfire. And this Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken is always a star on those summer nights.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage gently to coat. Seal and refrigerate for up to 24 hoursfor maximum flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)—about 6–8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
3. Rest Before Serving
Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes. This keeps it juicy and tender.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Slice or serve whole with your favorite sides—think roasted vegetables, salads, or pasta dishes.
Quick Tips & Tricks
- Even Cooking: Pound thicker chicken breasts slightly so they cook evenly on the grill.
- Juicy Chicken: Always let the chicken rest 10–15 minutes after grilling to lock in juices.
- Marinade Magic: Overnight marination brings out the most flavor, but even 30 minutes works in a pinch.
- Grill Marks: Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and get beautiful grill marks.
- Extra Zest: Add a little lemon zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinade for a flavor punch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Grill extra chicken and store in the fridge for salads, pasta, or sandwiches all week.
- Quick Cleanup: Line the grill pan or tray with foil to make post-cooking cleanup easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For maximum flavor, marinate for up to 24 hours. If short on time, even 30 minutes adds nice flavor.
3. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes! Use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary if fresh isn’t available.
4. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes! Freeze before grilling, then thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
5. What sides go well with this chicken?
Try roasted or grilled vegetables, fresh salads, pasta, rice, or grain bowls.
6. Can I make this for a large gathering?
Absolutely! Scale the recipe as needed. Adjust grilling times depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
7. Can I add more flavor to the marinade?
Yes! Add lemon zest, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra zing.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s part of my summer tradition. Whether you’re cooking for a family BBQ, a beach day, or a cozy bonfire with friends, it’s simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
Be sure to make extra for this yummy salad Lemon Rosemary Chicken Salad with Marcona Almonds and Cotton Candy Grapes
Enjoy!
More grilling recipes
- Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Pineapple Kabobs
- The Best Flank Steak Marinade
- Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce (Easy Greek Recipe)

Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 Comments
chef mimi
June 27, 2017 at 2:50 pmWhat a lovely place for a holiday! Your chicken is lovely, too. I like that you minced the rosemary. It can be so strong!
Angela@mealstreetkitchen
June 27, 2017 at 3:01 pmThank you! It is an awesome place that is dear to my heart. More recipes coming for this chicken too!☺️
Angela@mealstreetkitchen
June 27, 2017 at 10:15 amThank you PJ. Enjoy! I miss those simple days, I think I need to go play in the sand.
PJ Thompson
June 27, 2017 at 5:18 amLove the memories! The Lemon Rosemary Chicken looks great. Will have to give it a try.