The Best Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe Everyone Will Love

Mastering the art of grilled chicken breast can revolutionize your weeknight dinner game.

Juicy and tender meat doesn’t happen by accident.

Seasoned chefs know the secret lies in careful preparation and technique.

Quality ingredients make a massive difference in your final dish.

Marinades work magic to infuse incredible flavor into every bite.

Salt, herbs, and a touch of acid can unlock remarkable depth.

When you nail this simple yet elegant recipe, dinner becomes something to celebrate.

You’ll want to bookmark this foolproof method for perfectly succulent chicken every single time.

Top Reasons To Make The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

• Master Flavor Infusion: Balsamic and herb marinade penetrates deep into chicken, creating an explosion of tangy, aromatic taste that elevates this simple protein from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Grilling method offers flexible preparation across different heat sources like outdoor grill or grill pan, making this recipe adaptable for various kitchen setups and cooking preferences.
• Quick and Healthy Meal Solution: Lean chicken breast combined with simple marinade ingredients delivers a nutritious, protein-packed meal that can be prepared swiftly without compromising on flavor or quality.
• Foolproof Cooking Process: Strategic steps like pounding chicken to even thickness and checking internal temperature guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every single time, reducing chances of dry or undercooked meat.

What Goes In The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: High-quality, lean protein that serves as the main star of this grilled dish.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: These liquid ingredients work together to tenderize the chicken and create a rich, tangy flavor profile.

• Garlic, Rosemary, Basil: Fresh herbs and garlic that add depth and complexity to the chicken's taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Grill, Grill Pan, Grill Grates: Essential tools for achieving perfect grill marks and imparting a smoky flavor to the chicken.

Easy Instructions For The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

Grab your meat mallet and gently flatten the chicken breasts until they are uniformly thick. This technique ensures even cooking and prevents dry or undercooked sections.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Balsamic vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh rosemary
• Chopped basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Submerge the chicken completely in the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for 30 minutes to 4 hours. If refrigerated, remove the chicken 20 minutes before grilling to reach room temperature.

Step 4: Prepare the Grill

Fire up your grill to medium-high heat between 375–450°F. Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. For indoor cooking, use a grill pan heated over medium-high and oil it gently.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the liquid. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 155–160°F. Adjust cooking time based on the chicken’s thickness.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate. Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will naturally rise to a safe 165°F.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the chicken and serve it warm alongside your favorite sides like salads, grains, or roasted vegetables. Bon appétit!

Smart Tips For The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

• Pound Evenly: Use a meat mallet to create uniform thickness, ensuring each piece cooks perfectly without dry or undercooked sections.
• Marinate Smartly: Let chicken soak in balsamic mixture for maximum flavor absorption, but don't exceed 4 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
• Temperature Matters: Grill at medium-high heat and use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 155-160°F before resting.
• Rest for Success: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5-10 minutes, letting juices redistribute and internal temperature reach safe 165°F for tender, moist meat.
• Versatile Protein: Slice and pair with various sides like quinoa, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads for a complete, nutritious meal.

Fresh Twists On The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken: Replace rosemary and basil with oregano, thyme, and mint for a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Swap balsamic vinegar with lime juice, add chipotle powder, cumin, and chili powder to create a bold, zesty marinade.
• Dairy-Free Yogurt Marinade: Substitute olive oil with Greek yogurt, adding turmeric, ginger, and coriander for an Indian-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Lean Option: Use coconut aminos instead of traditional marinades, incorporating lemongrass and ginger for a light, refreshing taste.

Perfect Sides For The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

• Pair Zesty White Wines: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the herb-infused chicken perfectly, cutting through the marinade's richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Create Mediterranean Salad Companions: Greek-style salad with feta, cucumbers, and olives matches the herbal rosemary and basil flavors, offering a light and tangy side dish that enhances the grilled chicken's taste profile.
• Serve Rustic Roasted Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus roasted with olive oil and sea salt provide a smoky, earthy counterpoint to the balsamic-marinated chicken, creating a harmonious and nutritious plate.

The Best Grilled Chicken Breast Storage Made Easy

• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen grilled chicken maintains quality for up to 4 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs About The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

• Why should I pound the chicken breasts before marinating?

Pounding helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dry or undercooked spots by creating a uniform thickness, which allows for consistent heat distribution during grilling.

• Can I reuse the marinade for basting?

No, discard the marinade after using it with raw chicken to prevent bacterial contamination. Always use fresh marinade or prepare a separate basting sauce.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked without a thermometer?

Look for clear juices when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken, and ensure the meat is white throughout with no pink areas. However, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate method.

The Best Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes to 4 hours 24 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy grilled chicken breast emerges as a culinary champion, promising mouthwatering flavor with minimal effort. Marinated in zesty herbs and perfectly seared, this simple dish delivers restaurant-quality results that will make you the star of any summer cookout.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

Marinade:

• 1/4 cup (59 ml) lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Preparation:

• Oil for greasing grill or grill pan

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Instructions

1. Flatten chicken breasts with a meat mallet to guarantee uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, basil, salt, and pepper in a resealable bag or shallow container.
3. Immerse chicken completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Remove chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling to normalize temperature.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–450°F), lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking.
6. Discard used marinade and place chicken on hot grill, cooking 3–4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 155–160°F.
7. Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate, allowing it to rest for 5–10 minutes. During this time, residual heat will elevate temperature to safe 165°F.
8. Slice chicken against the grain and serve immediately with complementary side dishes, fresh salads, or wholesome grains.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken by pounding to uniform thickness, ensuring consistent and juicy grilling results.
• Maximize flavor absorption by marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes, allowing herbs and acids to penetrate deeply.
• Let chicken rest after grilling to redistribute juices, preventing dryness and maintaining tender texture.
• Achieve perfect doneness by using a meat thermometer, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 431 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1165 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg