| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 204 | 6g | 1g | 4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 1g | 30g | 0.6g |
There’s nothing quite like my Grilled Chicken Seasoned with Pennyroyal and Lemon to remind me of my Irish heritage with a fresh New England twist. You see, pennyroyal was an herb my grandparents often used in their hearty Irish dishes. Coupled with the zest of lemon, it infuses a touch of brightness that elevates the classic grilled chicken. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary love letter to my roots and the love and warmth I’ve always associated with homecooked meals.
Health benefits
Besides the emotionally satisfying nostalgia I find in this recipe, my Grilled Chicken Seasoned with Pennyroyal and Lemon also comes packed with numerous health benefits. The hero of this dish, pennyroyal, boasts some impressive medicinal properties, including aiding digestion and battling infections (source). Coupled with the high protein content of chicken, the heart-healthy fats in the olive oil, and antioxidant-rich lemons, it’s a meal that’s as good for your body as it is delicious.
Pairs well with…
This dish works wonderfully on its own but pairing it with a simple side dish can truly make it shine. Being a lover of all things seafood, I often serve this grilled chicken with a side of garlic butter broiled shrimp to pay homage to New England’s deep-seated love for seafood. The combination, in my opinion, is nothing short of divine.
You could also opt for a classic Irish potato dish, such as colcannon or boxty. In fact, I see this recipe as sort of a connecting dish, bridging the gap between my Bostonian seafood roots and my Irish ancestry. Pairing this with either of these sides makes an interesting, flavor-packed meal that celebrates both of my culinary heritages.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or just want a lighter, health-conscious meal, this Grilled Chicken Seasoned with Pennyroyal and Lemon is a recipe close to my heart that I’m sure you’ll love too.
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh pennyroyal, minced
- 2 lemons: 1 zested and juiced, 1 sliced into thin rounds
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh pennyroyal leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat to prepare for the cooking of the chicken. Prepare the chicken breasts by rinsing them under cool water and patting them dry with a clean towel. Set them aside to prepare the marinade.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced pennyroyal, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. This will act as your marinade for the chicken, providing fresh and zesty flavors.
Step Three
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that each piece is equally coated. After seasoning, place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade and make sure each chicken breast is fully immersed and coated in the mixture. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to really soak into the meat.
Step Four
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and arrange the lemon slices on top of each chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Step Five
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it moist and flavorful. To serve, garnish each chicken breast with the fresh pennyroyal leaves for an extra touch of freshness and color. Enjoy your Grilled Chicken Seasoned with Pennyroyal and Lemon!
