Tulo

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Charred Summer Vegetables

A short lemon-garlic marinade seasons the chicken and helps it stay juicy on the grill, while cutting the vegetables into large, uniform pieces means everything chars at the same rate without turning to mush, so the whole dinner comes off the grill together.

Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Total
45 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

Servings4
  • 4 6 oz each boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into thick planks
  • 2 medium yellow summer squash, cut into thick planks
  • 2 medium red bell pepper, quartered
  • 1 large red onion, cut into thick rounds
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Nutrition per serving

Calories
432
Protein
37g
Carbs
15g
Fat
25g

Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.

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Instructions

  1. 1In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. 2Pound the chicken breasts to an even 3/4-inch thickness, then place them in a shallow dish or zip-top bag with half the marinade. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes; reserve the other half of the marinade separately for the vegetables.
  3. 3Toss the zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and red onion rounds with the reserved marinade and the remaining salt and pepper.
  4. 4Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 450°F) and oil the grates well.
  5. 5Grill the vegetables for 4-6 minutes per side, until charred at the edges and just tender; a bit of resistance in the center is fine. Move to a platter.
  6. 6Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F.USDA safe minimum for poultry: 165°F (74°C)
  7. 7Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain. Arrange over the charred vegetables, scatter with feta if using, and serve with extra lemon wedges.
How to Use a Meat Thermometer

Tips & variations

  • Cut all the vegetables into similarly thick, large pieces (planks and rounds, not small cubes) so they can be flipped with tongs without falling through the grates and char evenly.
  • Swap the chicken for bone-in thighs if preferred; grill skin-side down first and expect closer to 8-10 minutes per side.
  • No grill available? A ridged grill pan or a very hot cast iron skillet gets a similar char indoors.
  • For a dairy-free version, skip the feta and finish with a drizzle of the reserved lemon-oil marinade instead.

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate leftover chicken and vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in a 300°F oven until warmed through; microwaving works but will soften the char on the vegetables.

Tips from the Tulo kitchen

  • Letting the chicken sit out for 10-15 minutes before grilling helps it cook more evenly instead of seizing up on a cold sear.
  • Oil the grill grates themselves, not just the chicken, right before cooking to keep the marinated pieces from sticking and tearing.

FAQ

Can this be made ahead for a cookout?

Yes. Marinate the chicken and cut the vegetables up to a day ahead and refrigerate separately; grill everything just before serving so the char stays crisp.

What if I don't have a grill?

A cast iron skillet or ridged stovetop grill pan heated until nearly smoking will produce a similar char on both the chicken and vegetables.

Can I use a different protein?

Shrimp or firm white fish work well with the same marinade, but reduce the marinating time to 15 minutes and the cook time to 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.

Why did my chicken turn out dry?

Grilling past 165°F internal temperature is the most common cause; pull the chicken right at that mark since carryover heat will bring it up a few more degrees while it rests.

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