Perfect Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe for Summer Feasts

Easy grilled chicken breast upgrades ordinary meals into culinary celebrations of simplicity and flavor.

Home cooks frequently struggle with dry, bland poultry that lacks excitement and texture.

Our strategic approach guarantees succulent meat with remarkable taste profiles that elevate dinner from mundane to magnificent.

Strategic marinades work magic, infusing protein with vibrant zesty notes and sophisticated undertones.

Lean proteins become extraordinary when prepared with careful technique and thoughtful seasoning techniques.

Every kitchen needs a reliable method for creating delectable meals that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

You’ll master this technique faster than you might expect.

Simple Grilled Chicken Breast, Perfect Every Time

• Unleash Juicy Flavor: The marinade transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering feast, infusing each bite with delicious seasonings that penetrate deep into the meat.
• Master Quick Grilling Technique: This recipe offers foolproof instructions for perfectly cooked chicken, teaching home cooks how to achieve beautiful grill marks and tender meat without drying out the protein.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: With 26 grams of protein and low carbohydrate content, this dish supports fitness goals while delivering a satisfying meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: The simple marinating process and straightforward grilling method make this recipe accessible for beginners and experienced cooks alike, requiring just 30 minutes of preparation time for a restaurant-quality result.

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Breast

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents chicken from sticking to the grill.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor profile for the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
• Dried Herbs (Oregano, Thyme): Adds Mediterranean-style herbal notes and depth to the marinade.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when properly marinated and grilled. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness for even cooking.

• Grill Oil or Cooking Spray: Prevents chicken from sticking to grill grates and helps create perfect grill marks.
• Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking safe internal cooking temperature of chicken.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for resting the chicken and keeping it warm after grilling.

How to Grill Chicken Breast to Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Mix chicken breasts with marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag. Squeeze to coat evenly and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Herbs (optional)
• Garlic (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Lightly oil grill grates and preheat to medium-high heat. Ensure grill is hot and ready for cooking.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess liquid. Carefully place chicken on hot grill grates. Cook covered for 5-7 minutes on first side. Wait until chicken releases easily from grates before flipping. Cook additional 5 minutes on second side.

Step 4: Check Chicken Doneness

Use an instant-read digital meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken

Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps retain juices and ensures even moisture distribution.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or your favorite side dishes. Slice and serve hot for a delicious meal.

Tips for Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast

• Maximize Marinade Absorption: Let chicken soak for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 4 hours to prevent meat from becoming too salty or tough.
• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Brush grill grates with oil before heating and wait until chicken naturally releases to flip, ensuring perfect grill marks and juicy texture.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a digital meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165℉, guaranteeing safe and succulent chicken every time.
• Rest for Juiciness: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute and ensuring each bite stays moist and tender.
• Trimming Technique: Remove any excess fat or uneven edges before marinating to promote even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Chicken Breast

• Refrigerate leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly stored chicken remains fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain optimal texture.
• Freeze cooled chicken breasts in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen grilled chicken maintains best quality for up to 4 months. Label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat refrigerated chicken in the microwave by placing pieces on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Warm at 50% power in 30-second intervals until internal temperature reaches 165℉.

Pairing Grilled Chicken Breast with Salads

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the light, grilled chicken perfectly, cutting through the marinade's richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Create a Mediterranean Side Salad: Prepare a Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives to add vibrant flavors and freshness that balance the grilled chicken's savory profile.
• Match with Herbal Roasted Vegetables: Roast colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with rosemary and thyme to echo the herb-infused marinade and provide a nutritious accompaniment.
• Serve with Tangy Tzatziki Sauce: Whip up a cool, creamy tzatziki dip using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill to offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, grilled chicken and enhance its overall taste experience.

Variations of Grilled Chicken Breast

• Herb Mediterranean Mix: Swap the marinade with olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that transports your taste buds to coastal Greece.
• Spicy Cajun Style: Replace the original marinade with a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano to create a bold, zesty Cajun-inspired grilled chicken that packs a punch of heat.
• Asian Sesame Infusion: Transform the marinade using soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, minced garlic, and a touch of honey for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired chicken that brings complex umami notes to your grill.
• Smoky Chipotle Edition: Modify the marinade with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cumin, lime juice, and a splash of tequila to develop a smoky, slightly spicy southwestern-style grilled chicken with deep, rich flavors.

Easy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy grilled chicken breast delivers Mediterranean-inspired flavors with zesty lemon and herb marinade. Simple ingredients and quick cooking technique promise a delicious, protein-packed meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Liquids and Aromatics:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from one lemon)

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag, combining them with all marinade ingredients. Massage the bag to ensure thorough coating, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to maximize flavor infusion.
2. Prepare the grill by lightly brushing the grates with vegetable oil (15 milliliters or ), then heat to medium-high temperature around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Carefully remove chicken from marinade, discarding any remaining liquid to prevent cross-contamination. Place chicken breasts onto preheated grill grates at a 45-degree angle for optimal grill marks.
4. Close grill lid and cook for 5-7 minutes without disturbing, allowing natural release from grates. When chicken releases easily and shows clear grill lines, flip and cook opposite side for additional 5-6 minutes.
5. Verify internal temperature using a digital meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast. Ensure temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
6. Transfer grilled chicken to a clean serving plate, loosely tent with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes. This resting period helps redistribute internal juices and ensures tender, succulent meat.
7. Slice chicken against the grain if desired, and serve with preferred accompaniments or garnishes.

Notes

• Marinating transforms bland chicken into a flavor-packed delight by allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Proper grill preparation prevents sticking and ensures beautiful caramelized exterior with perfect grill marks.
• Consistent heat management guarantees juicy, tender chicken without drying out or burning the protein.
• Digital thermometer eliminates guesswork, providing precise temperature readings for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Resting period after grilling allows internal juices to redistribute, resulting in more succulent and tender chicken breasts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg