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Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken & Veggies - Bright, Juicy, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Lemons: Zest and juice of 2 lemons (about 1/3 cup juice)
  • Garlic: 4–5 cloves, finely minced
  • Olive oil: 1/3 cup extra-virgin, plus more for the grill
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon (optional but recommended)
  • Fresh herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus more for garnish (or basil/oregano)
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper: 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
  • Zucchini: 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch planks or rounds
  • Bell peppers: 2 large, seeded and sliced into wide strips
  • Red onion: 1 large, cut into thick wedges
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint (optional, skewered)
  • Optional add-ons: 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, lemon wedges for serving, crumbled feta for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: If using breasts, pound to an even 3/4-inch thickness so they cook evenly. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, honey, parsley, smoked paprika, dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Taste and adjust salt or honey if needed.
  3. Marinate: Add chicken to a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour in half the marinade. Toss to coat, press out excess air, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Reserve the remaining marinade for the veggies.
  4. Prep the veggies: Place zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes (if using) in a large bowl. Toss with the reserved marinade and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle with an extra pinch of salt.
  5. Heat the grill: Preheat to medium-high (about 425–450°F). Clean the grates and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the veggies first: Place zucchini, peppers, and onion directly on the grill (or use a grill basket). Grill 3–5 minutes per side until tender with char marks. For tomatoes, thread onto skewers and grill 2–3 minutes, rolling occasionally. Transfer to a platter and tent loosely with foil.
  7. Grill the chicken: Shake off excess marinade and place chicken on the hot grill. Cook 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  8. Finish and garnish: Slice the chicken against the grain. Arrange over the veggies, squeeze fresh lemon over everything, and sprinkle with extra parsley. Add crushed red pepper or feta if you like.
  9. Serve: Enjoy as-is, or pair with quinoa, brown rice, or warm pita. Drizzle with any juices from the platter for extra flavor.