the Best Lemon Grilled Chicken Recipe

I have made grilled chicken several times now, using different flavours and seasonings as well. I always get comments to share the recipe and many other questions such as “how do you keep it juicy while it grilled so well?”.

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So today, I will try my best to cover and answer as many questions as I can so that you can grill your chicken at home without wasting your time and energy.

If you know me, you know that I always prefer grilled chicken over chicken curry. It just that I always nail it, and with chicken curry I have my days. So, today we gonna share some tips for perfectly a grilled, tender, and juicy chicken, but I will be sharing with lemon and herbs flavour. I will share substitution just in case you do not like lemon and herbs.

What is the best way to grill chicken

This is first step of perfecting this recipe. You need to consider and know how to cut your chicken pieces before grilling. It is important that you use fresh and organic chicken, and it well defrosted (NOT USING MICROWAVE). Take out your chicken early so that it defrost itself.

You can break or take out the backbone of the chicken and lay it flat. There is someone like me who buys chicken pieces, and that still okay and work well.

Make sure that you use good quality seasonings for your chicken and you don’t need a lot – TRUST ME! I always advice people to use foil all the time because it keeps chicken juices and moisture.

Can you grill chicken in the oven?

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Yes, Absolutely you can grill chicken in the oven. Many of us do not own outside door grills so you many need an alternative. There is a trick to it though, you firstly bake it most time and then grill after for few minutes.

I will always emphasise the importance of using foil to make sure that your juices are always there.

You will preheat your oven at 200 degrees C, then seasoning you chicken. You will bake your chicken covered or uncovered for 30 min and take it out to brush with it juices, or BBQ sauce of your choice and put it back to grill each side 10 minutes for golden color.

Can you perfectly use airfyer to grill chicken?

Airfryer works perfectly for this recipe. You may need to cut chicken into pieces rather the whole chicken because it may take longer. Other parts may ripe faster than other.

• Boneless breasts take (12-16 minutes) to be ready.
• Thighs take 15-20 minutes to be ready.
• Wings take 18-22 minutes to be ready.
• Drumsticks take 20-25 minutes to be ready.

Make sure you follow the correct steps such as brining, seasoning and marinating before putting it in so that it doesn’t dry out. Always be conscious of the temperature you use. If you use very hot temperature, it likely to be dry and lack the juiceness.

Do not overcrowd the pan with many pieces. Leave space between pieces so hot air circulates properly. Crowding causes steaming instead of grilling.

For extra juicyness mix together plain yoghurt, vegetable oil, and your fav spices.

Why my grilled chicken doesn’t taste like restaurants one?

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I’ve made grilled chicken for some time now, and there is ONLY one secret that ALWAYS give me same tender, and juicy grilled chicken – BRINE YOUR CHICKEN OVERNIGHT OR 6-8 HOURS.

When you get a perfectly grilled chicken in a restaurant, it because they mostly focus on 3 things; moisture, seasoning and prep time.

You brine your chicken using any of the following;

• Salt
• Lemon slices
• Garlic
• Herbs

You can use them any how, all of them can brine without mixing. The process of brining is very simple and doesn’t require much effort, you just need to plan ahead so that everything is done in a right time. Make sure that your chicken is well defrosted. You can use a container that is airtight or cover with clingwrap….it is okay to leave it open.

You put water in a container, add your brining option (salt, lemon juice, garlic, or herbs) and you let it sit in a refrigerator overnight or 6-8 hours.

Best ingredients you need for lemon herbs grilled chicken

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You will be surprised that you do not need many ingredients, and others are easily substituted. Each and every step to getting perfect grilled chicken matters. The steps goes from brining, marinating, to seasoning.

Lemon Slices

Once you start using lemon slices to brine your chicken, you’ll never look back. They will make your grilled chicken tender without making it too acidic. Using slices instead of too much lemon juice is better and recommended since lemon juice is direct and add too much acid which could ruin your recipe.

Thyme

I know you can use any herbs of your choice, but I always find thyme working and blending so well. You use it to brine too or use when you season your chicken with other seasoning. Dried thyme is very convenient because it has a stronger flavor than fresh thyme and lasts longer in the pantry.

It releases an amazing aroma that gives the chicken that delicious homemade grilled smell. It a small item but will give you beautiful results with this recipe.

Plain yoghurt

Plain yoghurt is one of the best ingredients for marinating chicken before oven. It helps tenderize the meat gently while keeping it soft and juicy during cooking.

The yoghurt also helps the seasoning stick better to the chicken, creating a flavorful coating that turns golden while grilling.

This is one of those simple ingredients that makes homemade chicken taste much closer to restaurant-style grilled chicken. If you do not have plain yoghurt, you can use buttermilk and amasi (maas).

Paprika

You can still grill your chicken without Paprika but having it help with the appearance of your grilled chicken. It add beautiful colour and a mild smoky flavour to the chicken. Do not add too much though, a teaspoon of it would be enough in most case.

Smoked paprika works especially well if you want a more “fire-grilled” flavor. Otherwise, you can any Paprika you get in stores.

Braai Seasonings

Braai seasoning adds that classic South African grilled flavour that many people love. These seasonings usually contains different herbs, and other spices.

Black Pepper

Black pepper helps bring out the flavor of the chicken and all the other seasonings in the marinade. Even though it looks simple, it adds a gentle heat and depth that makes grilled chicken taste more balanced and flavorful.

There are other spices that already have black pepper, you can also substitute by using them. My favourite is Ina Paarman brand, most of my seasoning I use this brand and it available it many stores such as a Spar, FOODLOVERS, and others.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil helps carry all the flavors from the spices and marinade into the chicken. It also helps the chicken brown properly and prevents it from drying out during cooking. Also, a foil and oil work together to make sure that chicken does not dry out. They both sustain moisture and keep chicken tender and juicy.

Honestly, you do need a lot of oil. My recipe calls for 2 tablespoons only but it may depend on the amount of chicken you’re preparing. A little oil reallly goes a long way in creating juicy chicken with a beautiful grilled finish.

You May Also Like:

• Creamy Chicken Livers Recipe (Rich, Easy & Flavorful)
• Quick Meatball Meal with Mashed Potatoes
• Flavourful Couscous Dinner with Lamb Rib Chops and Spinach

Step-by-step method for lemon herbs grilled chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

In a large bowl or container, combine:

• water
• salt (optional)
• lemon slices
• dried thyme

Stir well until the salt dissolves completely.

Add the chicken and make sure all the pieces are covered in the brine.

Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours.

This step helps the chicken absorb moisture and flavor, making it much juicier after cooking.

Step 2: Remove and Dry the Chicken

Once the chicken has finished brining:

1. Remove it from the brine
2. Lightly rinse if preferred
3. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels

Drying the chicken helps the marinade stick better and allows the chicken to brown properly in the oven.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine:

• plain yoghurt
• vegetable oil
• paprika
• grill and braai seasoning
• traditional braai spice
• black pepper
• a little salt if needed (but if you use seasonings, you will barely need salt)

Mix everything until well combined.

The yoghurt helps tenderize the chicken while the spices build rich grilled flavor.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to the marinade and coat each piece well.ow Long Should You Grill Chicken?

Cover and let it marinate for:

• at least 1 hour
• or up to a few hours for deeper flavor

The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken becomes.

Step 5: Arrange the Chicken

Place a foil before arranging the chicken pieces. Make sure all pieces lay flat, not on top of each other.

Leave a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate properly and help the chicken grill evenly.

how Long Should You Grill Chicken in the oven?

The cooking time for grilled chicken depends on the size and type of chicken pieces you are preparing. Larger or bone-in pieces naturally take longer to cook than smaller boneless cuts.

It’s important to flip the chicken halfway through cooking so it browns evenly on both sides.

If you want extra color and slightly charred edges, switch the oven to the grill/broil setting during the last 5–10 minutes.

How to Know When the Chicken Is Ready?

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One of the biggest mistakes when grilling chicken is either undercooking it or cooking it for too long until it becomes dry. That is the main reason, i always recommend baking it first till cooked and grill the last few minutes.

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to tell when your chicken is perfectly cooked.

Check the Internal Temperature

The safest and most accurate way is using a meat thermometer.

Chicken is fully cooked when the thickest part reaches:

• 75°C (165°F)

Be careful not to touch the bone when checking the temperature because this can give a false reading. If you do not meat thermometer, DON’T WORRY!

Check the Juices

If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken.

The chicken is ready when:

• the juices run clear
• there is no pink liquid
• the meat looks white and fully cooked inside

If the juices are still pink, the chicken needs more time.

Helpful Tip: Don’t Rush the Cooking

Cooking chicken too quickly on very high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Slow and even cooking gives the best juicy results.

A good method is:

1. Bake the chicken until almost fully cooked
2. Finish under the grill for color and char

This gives you juicy chicken inside with beautiful grilled flavor outside, THAT WHAT WE WANT!

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken

One of the best things about grilled chicken is how versatile it is. You can serve it with simple everyday sides or turn it into a full meal for family gatherings, braais, or weekend lunches. Other suggestions I have shared are just what I have read, while others I have tried with success.

• Steamed bread
• Green salad
• Corn on the Cob
• Chips or Fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Buttery rice, or savory rice
• Pap
• Garlic bread
• Rosted vegetables
• Creamy Spinach

Presentation makes grilled chicken even more appetizing. I am not that good with dish presetation but I know it makes food more appetizing.

For serving:

• Arrange the chicken on a large platter or plate
• Add lemon wedges on the side
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs if available
• Serve while hot and juicy

Serving Ideas (Meals Ideas that go well with lemon grilled chicken)

Family Dinner

Serve lemon grilled chicken with:

• roasted potatoes
• salad
• garlic bread or steam bread

Braai-Style Meal

Serve with:

• pap
• chakalaka
• coleslaw

Quick Weeknight Meal

Serve with:

• chips
• simple salad
• dipping sauce

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share how your grilled chicken turned out. You can also share your favourite side dishes or your own grilling tips — I always enjoy hearing from you.

And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out our latest blog posts for more easy homemade cooking and baking inspiration.

🎥 You can also watch tutorial on our YouTube channel for a step-by-step cooking experience and more delicious recipes from WandileBakes..

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Wandile

Easy Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

This juicy oven-grilled chicken made using a simple overnight brine and creamy yoghurt marinade. The chicken turns out tender, flavorful, and beautifully golden with slightly charred edges — all without needing an outdoor grill.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Brining Time 8 hours hrs

Course: Main Course

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

For the brine

• 6 cups water
• ¼ cup salt (if you're using it)
• 1 lemon sliced
• 1 tsp dried thyme

For the marinade

• 1 cup yoghurt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp grill & braai seasoning use any available seasoning or braai spice
• 1 tbsp traditional braai spice
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste (if needed)

For chicken

• 1 Whole chicken You can cut into pieces or leave as it is

Equipment

• Large bowl or container for brining
• Mixing bowl
• Baking tray or oven-safe dish
• Cooking Foil
• Knife and chopping board
• Paper towels
• Oven or air fryer

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare for the brine

1. In a large bowl or container, combine the water, salt, lemon slices, and dried thyme. Stir until the salt dissolves completely.

   Add the chicken pieces to the brine, making sure they are fully covered.

   Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours.

Step 2: Remove and dry the chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the brine and lightly rinse if preferred.

   Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This helps the marinade stick properly and allows the chicken to brown beautifully while cooking.

Step 3: Make the marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, combine: plain yoghurt, vegetable oil, paprika, grill and braai seasoning, traditional braai spice, black pepper, salt (if needed).

   Mix until everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Marinate the chicken

1. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well on all sides.

   Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate for a few hours in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Prepare the oven

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).

   Line a baking tray with cooking foil and lightly grease it with oil.

   Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

Step 6: Bake the chicken

1. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

   Halfway through cooking: flip the chicken, and brush with leftover marinade or a little oil

Step 7: Grill for extra color

1. For extra char and that grilled finish, switch the oven to the grill/broil setting during the last 5–10 minutes.

   Watch carefully to avoid burning.