Description
This recipe for the best grilled chicken features juicy, perfectly marinated boneless, skinless chicken breasts grilled to perfection. Infused with a flavorful mix of garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil, this easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for a quick and delicious main course suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1¾ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons lemon zest (from one lemon)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: One at a time, place the chicken breasts in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag. Using a meat mallet, pound each breast to an even ½-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a 1-gallon zip-lock bag, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine the marinade ingredients.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade bag. Massage the marinade into the chicken until it is evenly coated. Seal the bag and place it inside a bowl in the refrigerator to prevent leakage. Let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat and prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Once hot, oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook covered for 2 to 3 minutes per side, taking care not to overcook to maintain juiciness.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a platter and serve immediately for a delicious main course.
Notes
- For even thickness, ensure the chicken breasts are pounded uniformly to ½-inch thickness before marinating.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken but allow at least 4 hours if short on time.
- Oil the grill grates properly to prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing.
- Do not overcook the chicken; it should be grilled just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to remain juicy.
- The nutritional information includes all marinade ingredients; actual calories per serving may be lower depending on how much marinade clings to the chicken.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon zest, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice but zest provides more aromatic oils and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
