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Gluten-Free Grilled Chicken & Veggies - Simple, Fresh, and Flavorful

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are juicier; breasts cook faster)
  • Bell peppers: 2 large (any color), sliced into thick strips
  • Zucchini: 2 medium, sliced lengthwise into planks or into thick rounds
  • Red onion: 1 large, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint, left whole or skewered
  • Olive oil: 1/3 cup, divided
  • Lemon: Zest of 1 lemon + 2 tablespoons juice
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Fresh herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus 1 tablespoon chopped oregano or thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Red pepper flakes: Pinch, optional
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Optional finishing touches: Extra lemon wedges, a drizzle of balsamic glaze (gluten-free), or crumbled feta (check labels)

Instructions

  • Prep the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano or thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Marinate the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Add to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 20–45 minutes. Longer adds flavor, but don’t exceed 2 hours for lemon-based marinades on chicken breast.
  • Prep the veggies: In a second bowl, toss peppers, zucchini, onion, and tomatoes with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. If using skewers for tomatoes or onions, thread them now.
  • Preheat the grill: Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  • Grill the chicken: Shake off excess marinade. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side for breasts, 6–8 minutes per side for thighs, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5–10 minutes.
  • Grill the veggies: Place veggies cut-side down. Cook 6–10 minutes total, turning once or twice, until tender-crisp with nice grill marks. Tomatoes cook fast—pull them when skins blister and soften.
  • Taste and finish: Slice chicken against the grain. Pile chicken and veggies on a platter. Squeeze over extra lemon, sprinkle with more herbs, and add feta or balsamic glaze if you like. Adjust salt and pepper.
  • Serve: Enjoy as-is, or pair with quinoa, rice, or a simple green salad for a fuller meal.