The Best Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken doesn’t have to be boring. When done right, it’s juicy, packed with flavor, and downright delicious.
I remember the first time I nailed this recipe, my friend literally licked her fingers clean.😅
Trust me, girl, you’ll be grilling this up all summer long!
But first,
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple ingredients with big flavor
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Great for meal prep or summer cookouts
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Juicy inside, lightly charred outside
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Pairs with pretty much anything
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Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional: fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add the chicken to the marinade and coat well. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
Step 4: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Step 5: Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish if you like.
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken
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Marinate for at least 20 minutes for max flavor
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Pound chicken for even cooking
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Don’t press the chicken while grilling—let it cook in peace
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Let it rest after cooking to keep the juices in
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Use a meat thermometer (165°F is perfect)
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
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Overcooking – Dry chicken is sad chicken. Remove it at 165°F.
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Not marinating – The marinade makes all the difference.
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Uneven thickness – Pound it out for even grilling.
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Grilling cold chicken – Let it sit at room temp for 15-20 mins.
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Skipping rest time – Resting keeps it juicy.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
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Slice it over a fresh salad
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Serve with rice, potatoes, or grilled veggies
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Add to wraps, sandwiches, or tacos
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Garnish with fresh herbs or a lemon squeeze
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Pair with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or garlic aioli
Variations and Recipe Swaps
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Swap lemon for lime for a twist
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Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
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Add chili flakes for heat
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Try different herbs like thyme or rosemary
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Marinate in yogurt for a tangy, tender flavor
Storage and Reheating Tips
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water
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Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
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Slice before freezing for easy meal prep
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken
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Greek salad or cucumber tomato salad
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Roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
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Grilled corn or zucchini
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Pasta salad or quinoa
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Iced tea or lemonade for refreshment
FAQs
Q: Can I bake this instead? A: Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Q: How long should I grill chicken? A: About 5-6 minutes per side for breasts. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Q: Can I marinate overnight? A: Absolutely. Up to 8 hours is great for deeper flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill? A: Use a grill pan or even a cast iron skillet.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken? A: Thaw it first so the marinade can soak in.
Q: What seasonings work best? A: Paprika, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and salt are classic.
Q: Should I cut it before grilling? A: No, grill it whole to keep it juicy, then slice.
Conclusion
This grilled chicken recipe is one of those go-tos you’ll make again and again.
Juicy, easy, and full of flavor—just how we like it.
Try it out and tell me how it turned out for you. Tag me or drop your version in the comments!
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Grilled Chicken
Simple, juicy, and flavorful chicken marinated in herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. Great for any meal!1
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add the chicken to the marinade and coat well. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
Step 4: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Step 5: Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish if you like.
Notes
- Use thighs for extra juicy results.
- Marinate longer for more flavor.
- Great for salads, bowls, and wraps.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4Amount Per Serving Calories Approx. 280 per serving
