Simple & Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner Delight

Crafting a mouthwatering grilled chicken breast recipe requires just a few simple tricks to lock in incredible flavor.

Summers call for outdoor cooking that brings people together around sizzling grates and delicious aromas.

Marinating makes all the difference when you want tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

Salt, herbs, and a touch of olive oil can turn an ordinary piece of poultry into something spectacular.

Professional chefs know the secret is balancing seasonings and watching cooking temperatures carefully.

A quick brush of marinade during grilling creates a beautiful golden crust that seals in moisture.

Savor each bite and watch how this easy method transforms a basic protein into a restaurant-worthy dish you’ll crave again and again.

Why Grilled Chicken Breast Is Always A Go-To

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation, infusing rich, deep flavors that make every bite memorable.
• Master Grilling Technique: Perfect for cooking novices and grill enthusiasts, this recipe teaches precise grilling skills with clear instructions that guarantee juicy, tender chicken.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for multiple occasions like weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, meal prep, and quick family gatherings with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation.
• Health-Conscious Choice: Lean protein option that's low in calories, high in nutrients, and easily customizable with different marinades and herb combinations for varied nutritional profiles.

Grilled Chicken Breast Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: A flavor-packed combination that helps tenderize and season the chicken.

• Fresh Herbs, Crumbled Feta, Lemon Juice: Garnishes that add extra brightness and freshness to the grilled chicken.

• Plastic Wrap: Used to cover the chicken while pounding to an even thickness.
• Zip-Top Bag: Helps marinate the chicken evenly and contains the marinade.

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Helps pound the chicken to an even thickness.
• Fork: Used to create holes in the chicken for better marinade absorption.
• Grill: The cooking surface that provides high heat and distinct grill marks.

Step By Step For Grilled Chicken Breast

Step 1: Flatten the Chicken

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap, creating an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and become more tender.

Step 2: Create Marinade Magic

Use a fork to poke tiny holes in the chicken, allowing marinade to penetrate deeply. Combine marinade ingredients in a zip-top bag, then add chicken. Massage the bag gently to ensure complete coating. Place the bag in a bowl to catch any potential drips.

Step 3: Let Flavors Develop

Allow chicken to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, refrigerate up to 12 hours (5–6 hours works best). Even a quick 15-minute soak will enhance taste.

Step 4: Prepare the Grill

Heat grill to high temperature around 475°F. If chicken was refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 5: Grill First Side

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on hot grill with smooth side facing down. Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes until nice char develops.

Step 6: Complete Grilling

Flip chicken when it naturally releases from grates. Continue cooking 4–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 155–160°F. The temperature will rise to 165°F during resting period. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Transfer grilled chicken to a plate. Let rest for at least 5 minutes to lock in juices. Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs, squeeze lemon juice, or add crumbled feta. Serve warm and enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Grilled Chicken Breast

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Use a zip-top bag to ensure even coating and easy cleanup, allowing the chicken to absorb maximum flavor from the marinade.
• Prevent Dryness with Proper Thickness: Pound chicken to an even ½-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Master Grill Temperature Control: Preheat grill to high heat and clean grates to create perfect grill marks and prevent sticking while locking in juicy tenderness.
• Rest for Juicy Results: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful final dish.
• Check Internal Temperature Carefully: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 155-160°F, knowing it will continue cooking slightly while resting.

New Ways To Make Grilled Chicken Breast

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Coat chicken with a blend of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano before grilling for added flavor complexity.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Mix chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into the marinade for a bold, zesty kick that transforms the basic recipe.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken: Replace traditional marinade with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt, then top with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese after grilling.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Skip sugary marinades and use a simple mix of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs for a clean, protein-focused meal that fits keto and paleo diets.

Sides That Work With Grilled Chicken Breast

• Boost Flavor Companions: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the grilled chicken's light, zesty marinade.
• Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Combine fresh cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese to create a refreshing counterpoint to the grilled meat's warm flavors.
• Herb-Infused Couscous Pairing: Prepare lemon-herb couscous with parsley and mint to add brightness and texture that enhances the chicken's subtle Mediterranean-style seasoning.
• Summer Beverage Match: Serve a chilled sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea to cut through the chicken's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.

How To Store Grilled Chicken Breast After Cooking

• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water or chicken broth. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or water.

Common Questions About Grilled Chicken Breast

• Why should I pound the chicken breast before marinating?

Pounding creates an even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents dry or undercooked sections. It also allows the marinade to penetrate more effectively.

• How can I tell if the chicken is done without a meat thermometer?

Check the internal color – it should be white throughout with no pink. Press the chicken; it should feel firm but still have a slight give. When juices run clear, not pink, the chicken is typically cooked.

• What happens if I marinate the chicken too long?

Extended marinating can break down protein fibers, making the meat mushy. Acidic marinades like those with citrus or vinegar can cause this texture change if left more than 12 hours.

Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 49–53 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken breast delivers a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate. Marinated with herbs and lemon, this protein-packed dish promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with each perfectly charred bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.75 pounds (794 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2–4 cloves garlic (minced)

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2–3 tablespoons acid (lemon juice, lime juice, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar)

Cooking Preparation:

• Oil for grilling

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board and gently flattening to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Create small perforations across the chicken surface with a fork to enhance marinade absorption.
3. Transfer chicken into a zip-top bag, combine with marinade ingredients, and ensure thorough coating by massaging the sealed bag. Position the bag in a container to catch potential drips.
4. Allow chicken to marinate at ambient temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 12 hours. Even a brief 15-minute marination provides flavor enhancement.
5. Heat outdoor grill to high temperature (approximately 475°F). Remove chicken from refrigerator 10 minutes prior to grilling for consistent cooking.
6. Clean and lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking and create attractive grill marks.
7. Extract chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Position chicken on grill with smooth side facing downward.
8. Cover grill and cook for 4-5 minutes until chicken releases easily from grates.
9. Carefully flip chicken and continue grilling for additional 4-8 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 155-160°F.
10. Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate, allowing 5-minute resting period to redistribute internal juices.
11. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs, squeeze of lemon juice, or sprinkle of crumbled feta before serving warm.

Notes

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry or tough spots, which can happen with uneven thickness.
• Poking holes helps marinade penetrate deeper, creating more flavorful and tender meat throughout the chicken.
• Marinating at room temperature speeds up absorption, but refrigeration allows deeper flavor development without bacterial risks.
• High grill heat creates beautiful grill marks and seals in juices, preventing the chicken from becoming dry and bland.
• Let chicken rest after grilling to redistribute internal juices, guaranteeing a moist and succulent final dish.
• Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding guesswork and potential foodborne illness risks.
• Experiment with different marinade combinations like Mediterranean herbs, Asian-inspired soy sauce, or spicy chili blends to keep the recipe exciting and versatile.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes pounding, poking holes, marinating for 30 minutes, and resting at room temperature for 10 minutes)
• Cook Time: 9–13 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 217 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 415 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg