Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe – Juicy, Easy & Healthy Dinner

ByBella Skye
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Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

A perfectly grilled chicken breast is the ultimate balance of smoky flavor, juicy tenderness, and a satisfying char that home cooks can master with just a little technique. This grilled chicken breast recipe captures that restaurant-quality perfection crisp sear on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside.

More Chicken Breast Recipes

What makes it so special is how adaptable it is. You can use it in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or serve it as the main dish with your favorite sides. It’s light, healthy, and fits beautifully into meal prep plans. Whether you’re new to grilling or an experienced cook, this method will give you consistently tender results every time.

Grilled chicken breast is a staple of many cuisines because it’s simple, lean, and full of natural flavor that pairs well with almost anything. The key lies in mastering temperature control, seasoning balance, and timing all of which we’ll cover in detail below.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Guaranteed Juiciness: Unlike dry, overcooked chicken, this grilled chicken breast recipe ensures the meat stays tender and moist through careful marination and controlled heat.
  • Healthy and Protein-Packed: It’s perfect for balanced eating. This recipe fits easily into Healthy Dinner Recipes Grilled Chicken and Juicy Chicken Prep Meals for the week.
  • Flavorful Marinade: The combination of acid, oil, and aromatics builds depth without overpowering the chicken’s natural taste.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for On The Grill Chicken Recipes for a family cookout or Grill Chicken Recipes For Dinner on a busy night, it adapts effortlessly.
  • Chef-Tested Technique: The process uses precise timing and temperature cues that even home cooks can easily follow, guaranteeing that every piece turns out beautifully charred and juicy.

Preparation and Cooking Time, Also Serving

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Marination Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
  • Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (depending on marination)
  • Servings: 4 grilled chicken breasts

This recipe makes four servings ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or storing for later use in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for mild heat)

Substitution Notes

  • Oil: Use avocado oil or sunflower oil if olive oil isn’t available.
  • Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth, but regular paprika or cayenne can be used for different flavor profiles.
  • Herbs: Substitute oregano with thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for variation.
  • Acid: If you prefer, replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a tangier taste.
Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

chicken

Step 1: Pound and Prep the Chicken

Start by placing each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness about ¾ inch. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges.

chicken

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and chili flakes. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thick. This combination enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

chicken

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2 hours. This allows the seasonings to penetrate deeply. Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours to prevent the acid from toughening the texture.

chicken

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400–425°F). Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. A clean grill surface gives you those desirable grill marks and even browning.

chicken

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill grates. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes on the first side. Flip using tongs and cook another 5–7 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

chicken

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute evenly, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

Grilled chicken breast pairs beautifully with countless sides and sauces. Here are some serving ideas:

  • Slice it over a fresh garden salad with vinaigrette.
  • Serve alongside grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes for a full meal.
  • Add to pasta or quinoa bowls for easy Grilled Chicken Prep Meals.
  • Drizzle with garlic butter, tzatziki, or honey mustard sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
  • For presentation, slice the chicken diagonally and fan it out on a plate, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

Additional Tips

  • Avoid Overcooking: Always check internal temperature with a thermometer to prevent dryness.
  • Marinate Ahead: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight and grill the next day.
  • Rest the Chicken: This simple step makes the difference between juicy and dry chicken.
  • Oil the Grill, Not the Chicken: This prevents sticking and ensures clean grill marks.
  • Use Indirect Heat for Thick Breasts: If the pieces are large, sear first over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
  • Enhance Smokiness: Add a small chunk of soaked wood (like apple or hickory) to the grill for a subtle smoky flavor perfect for Chicken Recipes Bbq Grilled.

Recipe Variations

  • Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Replace paprika and chili flakes with fresh lemon zest, chopped parsley, and thyme for a bright, herby flavor.
  • Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken: Brush the chicken with a honey-garlic glaze during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet-savory twist.
  • Spicy Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning to the marinade for bold, smoky spice that works great in Delicious Grilled Chicken Recipes.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving directly it can dry out the meat.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Slice before freezing for easy portioning in Healthy Dinner Recipes Grilled Chicken plans.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 240
  • Protein: 32g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 580mg

These values may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Final Words

This grilled chicken breast recipe delivers consistent, juicy, and flavorful results every single time. It’s one of those Grilled Chicken On The Grill dishes that prove simple techniques can yield restaurant-quality outcomes right at home. Once you master this, you’ll never need another basic grilled chicken guide again.

Fire up the grill, follow these steps, and enjoy the confidence that comes with cooking a perfectly seasoned, tender, and delicious chicken dish one that your family will keep asking for again and again.

FAQ’s

Marinate adequately and avoid overcooking. Always rest the chicken after grilling for at least 5 minutes to retain juices.

Yes, but increase grilling time by about 10 minutes and use indirect heat after searing to ensure even cooking.

Medium-high heat (400–425°F) gives a great sear while cooking the inside perfectly.

Absolutely. Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet. Follow the same marination and timing instructions for Boneless Grilled Chicken results.

Yes, it’s excellent for Grilled Chicken Prep Meals—it reheats well and fits into a variety of dishes throughout the week.

Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe - Juicy, Easy & Healthy Dinner
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Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe – Juicy, Easy & Healthy Dinner

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Chicken Breast
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

240

kcal
Marination Time

2

hours 

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for mild heat)

Directions

  • Start by placing each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even thickness about ¾ inch. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and chili flakes. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thick. This combination enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2 hours. This allows the seasonings to penetrate deeply. Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours to prevent the acid from toughening the texture.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400–425°F). Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. A clean grill surface gives you those desirable grill marks and even browning.
  • Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill grates. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes on the first side. Flip using tongs and cook another 5–7 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute evenly, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Notes

  • Avoid Overcooking: Always check internal temperature with a thermometer to prevent dryness.
  • Marinate Ahead: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight and grill the next day.
  • Rest the Chicken: This simple step makes the difference between juicy and dry chicken.
  • Oil the Grill, Not the Chicken: This prevents sticking and ensures clean grill marks.
  • Use Indirect Heat for Thick Breasts: If the pieces are large, sear first over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
  • Enhance Smokiness: Add a small chunk of soaked wood (like apple or hickory) to the grill for a subtle smoky flavor perfect for Chicken Recipes Bbq Grilled.

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