Grilled Chicken: Tender, smoky, and loaded with flavor, grilled chicken is a versatile staple in every kitchen— it’s the star of your summer BBQ, a healthy weeknight dinner, or a meal-prep essential.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Grilled Chicken
- Pound the Chicken Evenly:
Thicker cuts like chicken breasts can cook unevenly. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the meat to an even thickness—this helps prevent dry spots. - Marinate for At Least 30 Minutes:
The marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it juicy. If time allows, marinate for 2-3 hours (or even overnight for the best results). - Preheat the Grill:
A hot grill (about 400-450°F) creates those perfect char marks and seals in moisture. - Don’t Overcook:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooked chicken dries out quickly, so timing is key. - Rest Before Slicing:
Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping it tender.
How Long to Cook (Grill) Chicken Breast
It totally depends on the on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts you bought from the market. But an average chicken breast takes somewhere between 8-9 minutes per side means a total of 15 minutes over medium-high heat. Or simply when the meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part your chicken breasts reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit you are done!
Grilled Chicken Variations
Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken:
Marinate the chicken in coconut milk, lime juice, and curry powder for a tropical twist.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken:
Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil to the marinade for an herby twist.
Spicy BBQ Grilled Chicken:
Swap the marinade for a mix of BBQ sauce, chili powder, and a dash of honey for a sweet and spicy flavor.
Asian-Inspired Grilled Chicken:
Use soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy, umami-rich dish.
Greek-Style Grilled Chicken:
Combine yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano to create a creamy, tangy marinade that’s perfect for Mediterranean flavors.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is wonderfully versatile. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:
- Classic BBQ Platter: Pair with grilled veggies, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.
- Salads: Top a fresh green salad with sliced grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette.
- Wraps & Sandwiches: Add sliced chicken to pita wraps, tortillas, or toasted bread with your favorite sauces and toppings.
- Grain Bowls: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, roasted veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing.
- Pasta Dishes: Toss grilled chicken with creamy Alfredo, pesto pasta, or even a light lemon spaghetti.
How to Store Grilled Chicken
- Refrigerating:
Allow the grilled chicken to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. - Freezing:
Place chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it overnight in the refrigerator. - Reheating:
- For best results, warm grilled chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
- You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Recipe FAQs
1. How do I keep grilled chicken moist?
The key is proper marination, high heat, and not overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to remove it at 165°F.
2. Can I grill chicken without marinating?
Yes, but marinating adds flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, a quick seasoning with olive oil, salt, and pepper works well.
3. What’s the best chicken cut for grilling?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are popular for their lean protein content. However, chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier.
4. Can I grill frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Grilling frozen chicken can result in dry, overcooked meat.
5. How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Clean and oil the grill grates before cooking. Using a little olive oil in your marinade also helps.
Grilled Chicken (BEST)
Grilled Chicken: Tender, smoky, and loaded with flavor, grilled chicken is a versatile staple in every kitchen— it’s the star of your summer BBQ, a healthy weeknight dinner, or a meal-prep essential.
Ingredients
- 1¾ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast in a zip-top bag and pound it evenly to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet (this ensures even cooking and tenderness).
- In the same bag, combine olive oil, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Massage the marinade right into the chicken, coating it evenly. Seal it up and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight for max flavor. (Pro Tip: Place the bag in a bowl to avoid leaks!)
- Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates.
- Toss the marinated chicken on the grill and cook, covered, for 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcook—juiciness is the goal!
- Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for a minute before serving. Pair it with grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or your favorite summer sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
6Amount Per Serving Calories 513Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 169mgSodium 875mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 62g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Final Thoughts
Grilled chicken is a dish that’s endlessly adaptable, easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious. By following the tips and tricks in this guide, you’ll achieve perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, preparing healthy meals, or looking to impress your family with something special, this grilled chicken recipe is sure to shine.
