Best Grilled Chicken
The Best Grilled Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with a simple yet flavorful marinade. Perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners, this quick and easy recipe uses basic ingredients to create a healthy, versatile, and delicious meal that everyone will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme), chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Spices
- 1 teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. This simple marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high, approximately 375-400°F (190-204°C). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping too often to achieve a nice char.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful bites.
Notes
- Bring chicken to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
- Oil grill grates using a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Do not overcrowd the grill to allow proper cooking and grill marks.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, barbecue chicken, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken