Grilled Chicken Breast with Lemon & Thyme

Grilled Chicken with Lemon & Thyme

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for grill

• 2 lb. chicken breasts

• 2 lemons

• 2 large sprigs thyme

• 1 cup olives, gently smashed or cut in half

• Kosher salt

• freshly ground pepper

1. Place chicken breasts in a plastic bag or cover with plastic wrap or wax paper; using the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound chicken breast to flatten. Pat chicken breast dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Let breast sit for 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Thinly slice 1 lemon crosswise; remove seeds. Place half lemon slices in a bowl, add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. The other half of the sliced lemon with be used for serving.

3. Juice the remaining lemon - you should have about 1/4 cup. Set side.

4. Heat grill or grill pan. Brush with oil when hot.

5. Pat chicken dry and rub with 1 tablespoon oil.

6. Remove half of the thyme leaves from the sprigs.

7. Grill lemon slices 2 to 3 minutes; place on a plate.

8. Grill chicken breast 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. A meat thermometer inserted into breast should register 165˚F.

9. Let chicken breast rest for 5- 10 minutes before slicing into 1/2" thickness. Place sliced breasts on a rimmed platter.

10. Scatter thyme leaves and sprigs, olives, grilled lemon slices and reserved lemon slices over breasts. Season with more salt and pepper. Drizzle lemon juice and 1/4 cup olive oil over. Let sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Yields: 4 to 6 servings

Notes&Tips:

• This hearty and delicious Grilled Chicken Breast with Lemon & Thyme will become your new favorite way to cook chicken breasts.

• The tanginess of the lemon, the bold taste of earthy thyme and moist grilled breast are perfect together. If you have time, allow this dish to sit ideally 30 to 45 minutes for optimal flavor. The oil and acid soaks into the chicken and makes it more flavorful!

• Serve this Grilled Chicken Breast with Lemon & Thyme with grilled peppers, grilled corn or just a lovely garden salad.