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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken

    Published: Jul 24, 2022 · Modified: May 30, 2025 by Zimmy · This post may contain Amazon and other affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Grilling doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. This Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken is one of our go-to meals because of its simplicity of preparation, that yields succulent tender chicken every time!

    Four grilled and charred chicken breasts with charred lemon slices and served with a tomato salad.
    Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken

    The chicken is brushed with the lemon-oregano dressing before being placed on the top rack of our grill. Then the lid is closed and I have time to make a salad, pour a drink and toss in a load of laundry.

    With its zesty freshness of lemon, the aromatic appeal of oregano, garlic and the succulent tenderness of chicken, it is easy enough for a weeknight meal and delicious enough for entertaining!

    An oval platter with four grilled chicken breasts with grilled lemon slices and fresh oregano on one side and a village salad on the other side. A bowl of green sauce is also in this platter.

    Served here with a fresh Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, olives, feta, red pepper and no lettuce) with our Tomato Cucumber Salad Dressing Enjoy!

    Ingredients

    • Chicken breasts 
    • Lemon juice
    • Fresh oregano
    • Garlic
    • Kosher salt
    • Black pepper
    • Olive oil
    • Lemons 

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    In a mini food processor, blend together lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, then slowly add oil while the processor is running to make the sauce.

    In a mini food processor, blend together lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, then slowly add oil while the processor is running to make the sauce.

    To avoid contamination, divide the sauce into two separate bowls. One bowl with 4-6 tablespoons for the marinade, and the other bowl with the remaining sauce.

    Place the breasts in a baking dish or resealable bag and add 1 tablespoon of marinade sauce for each breast. Brush or rub the sauce to coat each piece. Place chicken in the fridge (covered) for 30-60 minutes.

    Four chicken breasts marinating in a lemon, oregano garlic sauce.

    Starting with a clean grill; preheat all burners on medium (medium-high) heat. Adjust heat to reach between 450°F – 500°F.

    Arrange chicken breasts, bone side down (skin up), on top rack of grill.

    Cook, with the lid closed, changing positions of the breasts twice, until cooked through, about 40 minutes (this will vary based on size and thickness of breasts, as well as actual temperature of grill). Remove chicken from the grill, when the internal temperature reaches 160-162°F.

    Transfer chicken to a plate, pour a little sauce over each breast, loosely cover with foil, rest for 5-10 minutes. Internal temperature with rise to 165°F while resting.

    Grill lemon slices, until grill marks appear, about 2-3 minutes/side. Serve each breast with 1-2 lemon slices and remaining sauce.

    A close up of four grilled chicken breasts with a lemon-oregano sauce and grilled lemon slices and a bowl of sauce.

    Tips for cooking chicken on the grill

    I find cooking chicken on the upper rack (of a clean grill), takes the stress of flares up away. The occasional flame will add a little char and flavour. Also, the heat from the top of the grill will brown and crisp up the skin. However, if the skin doesn’t brown in your grill, put the breasts skin side down on the lower rack for 3-4 minutes, until desired colour is attained. The chicken is moist and the skin is crispy, and in my humble opinion, it is the best method for grilling chicken.

    Note: If you do not have an upper rack, cook your chicken over an indirect heat zone on your grill.

    A tray with four marinated chicken breasts on the side table beside a grill.
    Four chicken breasts on the top rack of a grill.

    Equipment Used

    Cooked on my Hestan 36″ gas grill in Pacific Fog. Proud Hestan Ambassador. Opinions in the post are my own.

    Variations

    • Also very delicious using chicken legs! Cook legs to 165°-167°F, before removing from grill.
    • Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Wings. Not sure why it took me so long to make wings with this flavour profile, but rest assured it won’t be long before I make it again. The wings were seasoned with salt, pepper and oregano, then grilled over charcoal until crispy. The wings were basted with the Lemon Oregano Sauce then served with grilled lemons.

    Check out my video to see how these wings turned out here.

    Leave a Comment

    If you get the chance to try this Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken recipe please drop back and leave us a comment and rating here. We would love to know what you think! Thanks Elaine & James 🙂

    📖 Recipe

    Four grilled and charred chicken breasts with charred lemon slices and served with a tomato salad.

    Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken

    Grilled lemon-oregano chicken is one of our go-to summer dishes! With its zesty freshness of lemon, the aromatic appeal of oregano, garlic and the succulent tenderness of chicken, it is a sure-fire hit for any summer gathering or weeknight meal.
    Also very delicious using chicken legs and wings!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 55 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 4 -6 People

    Ingredients
      

    • 4-6 chicken breasts skin on, bone-in
    • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
    • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh oregano
    • 4 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 1-2 lemons cut into, ⅓ inch thick, slices

    Instructions
     

    • In a mini food processor, blend together lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, then slowly add oil while the processor is running to make the sauce.
    • To avoid contamination divide the sauce into two separate bowls. One bowl with 4-6 tablespoons for the marinade, and the other bowl with the remaining sauce.
    • Place the breasts in a baking dish or resealable bag and add 1 tablespoon of marinade sauce for each breast. Brush or rub the sauce to coat each piece. Place chicken in the fridge (covered) for 30-60 minutes.
    • Starting with a clean grill; preheat all burners on medium (medium-high) heat. Adjust heat to reach between 450°F – 500°F.
    • Arrange chicken breasts, bone side down (skin up), on top rack of grill.
    • Cook, with the lid closed, changing positions of the breasts twice, until cooked through, about 40 minutes (this will vary based on size and thickness of breasts, as well as actual temperature of grill). Remove chicken from the grill, when the internal temperature reaches 160-162°F.
    • Transfer chicken to a plate, pour a little sauce over each breast, loosely cover with foil, rest for 5-10 minutes. Internal temperature with rise to 165°F while resting.
    • Grill lemon slices, until grill marks appear, about 2-3 minutes/side. Serve each breast with 1-2 lemon slices and remaining sauce.
    • Cook’s Note: I find cooking chicken on the upper rack (of a clean grill), takes the stress of flares up away. The occasional flame will add a little char and flavour. Also, the heat from the top of the grill will brown and crisp up the skin. However, if the skin doesn’t brown in your grill, put the breasts skin side down on the lower rack for 3-4 minutes, until desired colour is attained.
    • Also delicious using chicken legs! Cook legs to 165°-167°F, before removing from grill.
    • Served here with a fresh Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, olives, feta, red pepper and no lettuce) with our Tomato Cucumber Salad Dressing Enjoy!
    • Rate this Recipe: Please take a moment to rate this recipe below. We would greatly appreciate it!

    Notes

    Tips for cooking chicken on the grill:
    I find cooking chicken on the upper rack (of a clean grill), takes the stress of flares up away. The occasional flame will add a little char and flavour. Also, the heat from the top of the grill will brown and crisp up the skin. However, if the skin doesn’t brown in your grill, put the breasts skin side down on the lower rack for 3-4 minutes, until desired colour is attained. The chicken is moist and the skin is crispy, and in my humble opinion, it is the best method for grilling chicken.
    Note: If you do not have an upper rack, cook your chicken over an indirect heat zone on your grill.
    This recipe is also very delicious using chicken legs! Cook legs to 165°-167°F, before removing from grill. 
    Keyword chicken with oregano and lemon, easy grilled lemon chicken recipe, lemon oregano sauce, mediterranean lemon oregano chicken recipe, oregano and chicken recipes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary

      August 02, 2022 at 9:14 am

      5 stars
      This dish sounds so amazing! These are two of my favourite dishes, thanks Zimmy for the recipies and your cooking tips. BTW – I love your website! It’s definitely my ‘go-to’ when entertaining and I need great but easy recipies.

      Reply
      • zimmysnook

        August 02, 2022 at 9:26 am

        Hi Mary,
        We are so glad you like this recipe and our website!
        Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by, have a wonderful day!
        Elaine & James

        Reply
    2. Dina and Bruce

      June 12, 2023 at 8:18 am

      5 stars
      James and Elaine,

      Have the fresh oregano 🌿…adding this recipe to our list!

      Reply
      • Zimmy

        June 13, 2023 at 7:39 am

        Hi Dina & Bruce!
        Yay! Garden fresh oregano is the best!
        Thanks for stopping by!
        Elaine & James

        Reply
    3. Phil Hoyle

      June 20, 2024 at 5:51 am

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe to cook indoors or out. The sauce / marinate is so zesty and fresh!! Quick to prepare also which is always a bonus.

      Reply
      • Zimmy

        June 20, 2024 at 8:17 am

        Thanks Phil,
        We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the flavours and preparation of this recipe!
        Your pics on X looked mouthwatering, thanks for sharing!
        Have a great day,
        Elaine & James

        Reply
    4. Elle Valera

      June 20, 2024 at 7:29 am

      Your Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken sounds absolutely delicious. The way you describe the flavours and simplicity of preparation makes it a must-try dish. Keep sharing your culinary creations; they are truly inspiring.

      Check My Links: A Review: https://www.bbqs2u.co.uk/

      Reply
      • Zimmy

        June 20, 2024 at 8:23 am

        Hi Elle,
        Thank you very much for kind words!
        You carry a great collection of brands on your website!
        Have a great day!
        Elaine & James

        Reply

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