Craving a meal that’s light, zesty, and packed with flavor? This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Platter features juicy chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, grilled to perfection, and served alongside fresh salads and creamy dips. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or a healthy weeknight spread, this platter brings vibrant tastes and textures to the table.
In this post, we’ll dive into why this chicken platter is a seasonal must, share an easy recipe, and offer tips to make it your own. Let’s fire up the grill!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Platter
This platter is a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s why it’s a standout:
- Bright and Juicy: Lemon and herbs infuse the chicken with irresistible flavor.
- Versatile Spread: Paired with salads and dips, it’s a complete, customizable meal.
- Grill-Ready: Perfect for outdoor cooking or a quick stovetop sear.
It’s a dish that feels like summer on a plate—healthy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. Ready to zest things up?
Ingredients for Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Platter
You’ll need fresh ingredients for the chicken, salads, and dips. Here’s the lineup:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salads:
- 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
For the Dip:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Swap in your favorite herbs or sides—this platter loves variety!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Platter
This recipe is straightforward with a big payoff. Here’s how it comes together:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, coating it well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for max flavor).
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill (or a grill pan) to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Prep the Salad: Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Make the Dip: Stir together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Platter: Arrange sliced chicken on a large platter. Add the salad on one side and a bowl of the yogurt dip on the other. Serve warm or at room temp—perfect for sharing!
Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Platter
Want to make it shine? Try these tricks:
- Marinate Longer: Overnight marination deepens the lemony flavor.
- Grill Marks: Press the chicken lightly with a spatula for those picture-perfect lines.
- Indoor Option: Use a stovetop grill pan or skillet if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Why This Recipe Fits Summer Nights
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Platter is made for warm evenings and casual gatherings. The chicken grills up in under 20 minutes (plus marinating time), and the fresh salads and dip keep it light and breezy. It’s perfect for a backyard BBQ, a healthy dinner, or even meal prep—slice extra chicken for lunches all week.
Store leftovers separately in the fridge: chicken for up to 4 days, salad for 1-2 days, and dip for 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently to keep it juicy!
Customize Your Chicken Platter
Love a twist? Here’s how to mix it up:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Side Swap: Serve with grilled veggies, quinoa, or pita bread instead of salad.
- Dip Upgrade: Mix in garlic or swap dill for mint for a fresh take.
Make it your summer go-to—this platter thrives on creativity!
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Platter is a juicy, flavorful way to enjoy the season’s best. With tender chicken, zesty marinade, and fresh sides, it’s a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and even easier to love, it’s your ticket to a delicious, stress-free dinner under the sun—or stars.
Ready to grill? Light the flames and let’s make something tasty. Have a favorite herb or side to pair with it? I’d love to hear how you enjoy this summery platter!
