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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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