This Texas-inspired grilled chicken breast is designed for both flavor and hot weather resilience. By seasoning the chicken early and letting it rest at room temp, you maximize juiciness and depth of flavor. A punchy lemon herb vinaigrette—zesty, bright, and a touch sweet—cuts through the smokiness of the grill and keeps things fresh for a summer night. Serve this high-protein, vibrant dish with a crisp salad or grilled vegetables for an easy, healthy meal that beats the heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place on a plate. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, rub mixture all over, and let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, 1/4 tsp salt, parsley, chives, and thyme. Set aside.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly coat grates with cooking spray. Grill chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until well browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165°F.
Transfer chicken to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Slice crosswise.
Arrange chicken slices on a platter or plates. Spoon lemon herb vinaigrette over the top before serving. Serve with extra vinaigrette on the side.