Description
This Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts every time. Marinated to enhance tenderness and taste, then grilled to perfection, it’s an ideal main dish for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. Optional toppings like fresh herbs, crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon add a bright, fresh finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1¾ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
- Oil for grilling (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)
Marinade
- 1 batch chicken marinade (see notes) – typically includes ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or basil)
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. If the breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 450°F. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
- Rest the chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making the chicken more moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Optionally, top the chicken with chopped fresh herbs, crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor and brightness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The marinade can be a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Do not overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps maintain moistness.
- Variations include adding different herbs or spices to the marinade according to your taste preferences.
