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Meta description: Bright, juicy lemon herb grilled chicken—an easy, low-carb weeknight favorite. Learn ingredients, step-by-step grilling tips, and full nutritional facts (net carbs, fiber, sugar alcohols) for keto and low-carb diets.

Introduction
Lemon herb grilled chicken is a timeless, craveable dish that brings bright citrus notes and fragrant herbs to perfectly charred, juicy chicken. Whether you’re cooking for family weeknight dinners, meal-prepping for the week, or following a keto or low-carb plan, this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and reliably low in carbs. Below you’ll find a full ingredient list, step-by-step grilling instructions, expert tips for perfect results, and detailed nutritional information—especially the carbs, fiber, sugar alcohols, and net carbs useful for keto and low-carb tracking.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for balance)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Quick note: For richer flavor and juicier results, you can use bone-in, skin-on thighs instead (adjust cooking times).

Marinade & prep time

• Active time: 15 minutes
• Marinate: 30 minutes to 4 hours (up to overnight in the fridge)
• Grill time: 10–15 minutes
• Total time (with a 1-hour marinade): ~1 hour 30 minutes

Step-by-step instructions

1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, Dijon mustard (if using), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over, making sure each piece is coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
3. Preheat the grill: Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F / 200–230°C). If using a grill pan or cast-iron skillet, preheat it over medium-high heat with a light brush of oil.
4. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Place chicken on the hottest part of the grill. Grill 4–6 minutes per side (for 6 oz breasts) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid constant flipping—one flip yields good char and even cooking.
5. Rest and serve: Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes to let juices redistribute. Slice and serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Grilling tips for success

• Even thickness: Pound thicker areas of the breast to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Indirect heat for bone-in pieces: If using bone-in thighs or breasts, sear over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
• Don’t over-marinate citrus-heavy marinades long-term: Acid from lemon can start to “cook” the surface if left overnight; for very long marinades, reduce lemon juice or focus on zest and oil.
• Use a thermometer: A reliable instant-read thermometer prevents overcooking. Pull at 160–163°F and rest to reach 165°F for juicier results.
• Char without burning: Keep an eye on flame-ups; move chicken off direct flames if excessive charring begins.

Serving suggestions

• Low-carb sides: Grilled asparagus, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, mixed greens, or a simple olive oil–lemon roasted broccoli.
• Flavor pairings: Top with a lemon-herb compound butter, tzatziki, or a simple chimichurri for variety.
• Meal prep: Slice and portion into salads, wraps (use low-carb tortillas), or bowls for easy lunches.

Keto / Low-Carb Notes
This lemon herb grilled chicken is inherently low in carbohydrates because the main ingredients (chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs) contribute very little carbohydrate. It’s ideal for ketogenic and low-carb diets when paired with low-carb sides and vegetables.

Nutritional information (approximate per serving)
Yield: 4 servings (1 chicken breast per serving)

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Protein: 50 g
• Total fat: 12 g
• Saturated fat: 2 g
• Total carbohydrates: 2 g
• Dietary fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugars (total): 1.2 g
• Sugar alcohols: 0 g
• Net carbs: 1.5 g (calculated as Total carbs 2 g − Fiber 0.5 g − Sugar alcohols 0 g)
• Sodium: 520 mg (varies with salt and Dijon)
• Cholesterol: ~120 mg

Notes on the nutrition numbers

• These values are estimates based on typical ingredient amounts and may vary depending on exact chicken size, cooking method, and brands used.
• Sugar alcohols: This recipe contains no added sugar alcohols (commonly found in certain sugar-free sweeteners), so sugar alcohols are listed as 0 g.
• Net carbs: For keto tracking, net carbs are calculated here as total carbohydrates minus fiber and sugar alcohols. That yields about 1–2 g net carbs per serving, making this an excellent protein choice on a keto or low-carb plan.

Variations and substitutions

• Herby lemon butter: After grilling, top each breast with a pat of lemon-herb butter (butter mixed with lemon zest and parsley).
• Mediterranean twist: Add chopped oregano, olives, and a splash of red wine vinegar to the marinade.
• Spicy citrus: Increase crushed red pepper or add smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
• Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for richer flavor; adjust grill time to 6–8 minutes per side over medium heat and finish at indirect heat.

Storage and reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes or in a covered skillet over low heat to retain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating that can toughen the chicken.

Conclusion
Lemon herb grilled chicken is a bright, flavorful, low-carb superstar for weeknights, meal prep, and keto-friendly menus. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers juicy, herb-infused chicken that pairs easily with low-carb sides or salads. Try this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe this week—marinate, grill, and savor the zest!

If you’d like, I can:

• Provide a printable recipe card
• Adjust the recipe and nutrition for thighs or a different serving size
• Suggest 5 low-carb side dishes that pair perfectly with this chicken