Description
Grilled juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts bring Mediterranean flavors to your summer table with succulent spices and perfect charred edges. Marinated in olive oil, herbs, and lemon, these chicken breasts promise a delightful meal that you’ll savor with each tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Brine Ingredients:
- 4 cups cool water
- 33 grams salt (¼ cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 2 tablespoons Morton kosher salt, or 1.5 tablespoons fine sea salt)
Seasoning and Oil:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for the grill)
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
Instructions
- Submerge boneless skinless chicken breasts in a saltwater solution (kosher salt per water) to enhance moisture and tenderness. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavor penetration.
- Prepare a dual-zone grilling environment with high-temperature direct heat and lower-temperature indirect heat zones. For indoor cooking, heat a cast-iron grill pan to medium-high temperature (375-400°F/190-204°C).
- Extract chicken from brining liquid and thoroughly pat each breast dry using paper towels. Generously brush chicken with extra virgin olive oil to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Evenly sprinkle each chicken breast with sweet paprika, creating a light, flavorful coating that will develop a subtle caramelized exterior during grilling.
- Lightly lubricate grill grates or grill pan surface with cooking spray or additional olive oil to prevent potential adhesion of chicken.
- Position chicken breasts on the hottest section of the grill, allowing undisturbed cooking for 3-4 minutes until distinctive crosshatch grill marks emerge.
- Carefully rotate chicken 45 degrees to create professional-looking diagonal grill marks, then flip to opposite side. Immediately transfer to cooler indirect heat zone.
- Cover grill or pan, allowing chicken to complete cooking until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which ensures safe consumption while maintaining juiciness.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Brining transforms ordinary chicken breasts into succulent, flavor-packed morsels by allowing salt water to penetrate deeply.
- Marinating with olive oil creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and prevents sticking during high-heat cooking.
- Indirect grilling technique ensures even cooking, preventing dry exteriors while achieving perfectly tender interiors.
- Checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer guarantees safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
- Resting meat after grilling allows juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 100mg