This grilled chicken breast is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Just a few simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and spices make it a go-to meal for any day!
You can’t go wrong with this chicken! I often whip it up when I need a quick dinner that tastes amazing. Pair it with veggies or a salad for a light and tasty feast!
Cooking it on the grill adds a nice char. I love how easy it is to make, plus it cooks really fast! Perfect for busy nights or weekend barbecues with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling due to their quick cooking time. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too and are juicier!
Olive Oil: This is essential for both flavor and moisture. If you’re out, vegetable or avocado oil are good substitutes, though they may alter the taste slightly.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have a lemon, lime juice can be a great alternative for a different twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a strong flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder works in a pinch. Just use about 1/4 teaspoon instead of 2 cloves.
Herbs and Spices: Oregano, thyme, and paprika give the chicken a great flavor profile. Other herbs like Italian seasoning or even Cajun seasoning could also be fun to try!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorful?
To achieve juicy grilled chicken, marinating is key. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it tender. Here are some tips:
- Mix marinade ingredients well before adding the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 30 minutes; longer is better for flavor!
- Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for 5 minutes; this helps juices redistribute for a tender result.
Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or basil)
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating. After that, grilling will take around 15 minutes. So, plan for a total time of about 45 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on how long you marinate the chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well mixed. This will create a tasty marinade that adds flavor to your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and put them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade all over the chicken, making sure it gets covered nicely. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it into the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. If you can, marinating overnight works wonders!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). To prevent the chicken from sticking, brush the grill grates with a little oil.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Carefully take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any extra to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Now, lay the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them—this helps to create those lovely grill marks!
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
After the time is up, flip the chicken over and grill for another 6-7 minutes. You want to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices are running clear. This ensures that the chicken is both safe to eat and super juicy!
6. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This step is important as it helps to keep the juices locked inside the chicken.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your grilled chicken breast garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Yes! You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, just adjust the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. Ensure they also reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Lemon Juice?
No problem! You can substitute lemon juice with vinegar (like apple cider or red wine vinegar) for some acidity, or use lime juice if you have that on hand. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight is a great way to enhance the flavor. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can make the chicken mushy over time.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can enjoy it cold in a salad or reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out.
