Grill Delicious Traeger Chicken Breasts with a Zesty Lemon Marinade

Summary:

This lemon chicken breast recipe is perfect for a light, fresh meal any time of the year. It features a simple marinade made with garlic, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, lemon zest, and juice, combined with olive oil. The chicken is marinated for four hours and then grilled to perfection on a Traeger grill at 400°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve the chicken with grilled lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup high-quality olive oil or vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 6 (6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Steps:

1. Make the marinade by whisking together garlic, honey, salt, pepper, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Slowly add the olive oil until emulsified.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for 4 hours.
3. Preheat the Traeger grill to 400°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
5. Insert a probe into a chicken breast, place on the grill, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Grill lemon wedges if desired.
6. Serve the chicken with grilled lemon wedges.

Lemon Chicken Breasts

Grilling season is upon us, and nothing says summer like a perfectly grilled chicken breast with a burst of fresh lemon flavor. Whether you're looking to stick to a New Year's resolution of eating healthier or simply need a quick and delicious main course, this lemon chicken breast recipe is your go-to.

Ingredients That Shine

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful marinade. Fresh garlic, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper form the base, while thyme leaves and lemon zest add a fragrant herbal note. The real stars, though, are the lemon juice and high-quality olive oil, which ensure the chicken remains juicy and full of citrusy goodness.

The Perfect Marinade

Creating the marinade is a breeze. In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the olive oil. Once everything is well combined, slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, cohesive marinade. This step is crucial for coating the chicken evenly and locking in those flavors.

Marinade Magic

Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Massage the bag to ensure each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least four hours. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also tenderizes it, making each bite succulent and delicious.

Grilling to Perfection

Preheat your Traeger grill to 400°F. This high heat will sear the chicken, giving it a beautiful char while keeping the inside tender. After preheating, place the chicken breasts directly on the grill grates and insert a probe into the center of one piece to monitor the temperature. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which should take about 15 minutes.

For an extra touch, grill some lemon wedges alongside the chicken. The heat caramelizes the lemon's natural sugars, adding a smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Serve the chicken breasts with the grilled lemon wedges for a tangy, aromatic finish.

This lemon chicken breast recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The combination of fresh, zesty flavors and the smoky char from the grill makes it a standout dish for any occasion. So fire up your Traeger grill and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe.