Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Strips Recipe
Delicious and juicy grilled chicken strips marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of spices, perfect for a quick and healthy meal with a smoky grilled flavor and tender texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken strips
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken tenderloins to remove any excess moisture, ensuring they absorb the marinade properly.
- Marinate: Place the chicken strips in a large bowl. Coat them evenly with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and black pepper over the chicken. Massage the marinade into each piece to ensure thorough coverage. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but no more than 12 hours to allow the flavors to develop and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to 500°F (260°C). Clean the grates thoroughly and spray with non-stick grilling spray to prevent sticking. After preheating, reduce the grill heat to low for gentle, controlled cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken strips evenly on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat with nicely charred grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy when served immediately.
Notes
- Brining Effect: The lemon juice in the marinade acts as a natural brine, helping to break down proteins and keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Spice Variation: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Resting Time: Allow the grilled chicken to rest after cooking to enhance juiciness.
- Marinate Longer if Needed: While 1 hour is the minimum, you can marinate up to 12 hours safely; for marinating 24 hours, omit lemon juice initially and add it 30 minutes before grilling.
- Chicken Tenderloins: A typical 1-pound package contains about 6 to 7 chicken tenderloin pieces, perfect for individual servings.
