Grilled Chicken Recipes

I gotta say, I never knew that tossing chicken breasts in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and a mix of herbs and spices before grillin them could create such a mind-blowing flavor party that totally makes you wanna come back for seconds, seriously it’s a game changer.

When I grill chicken I love the tanginess of lemon juice along with olive oil and garlic. My boneless chicken breasts gets marinated with salt, pepper, oregano and basil, plus a dash of paprika and red pepper flakes for those that like it spicy.

I think this recipe brings flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Lean protein source, low fat for muscle building, overall healthy meal ingredient.
• Olive oil: Rich in healthy fats, works heart friendly and enhances overall taste.
• Garlic: Natural flavor booster with potential health benefits; adds aroma and immune support.
• Lemon juice: Provides refreshing sour taste burst and vitamin C boost, enlivening flavors.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that accentuates flavors, though excessive use may raise sodium levels.
• Pepper, oregano, basil, paprika: A blend of spices offering depth, subtle heat and herbal notes.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional to introduce a fiery kick for those who prefer spicier dishes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Optional 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if u like it spicy

How to Make this

1. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat while you get started.

2. In a bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and if you want it spicy, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

3. Pat dry the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and then toss them in the marinade so they get well coated.

4. Cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; if you can wait longer, up to 2 hours is even better.

5. Once the chicken is marinated, lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking.

6. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off before you grill them.

7. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on one side.

8. Flip the chicken carefully with tongs and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the chicken looks done.

9. Check that the internal temperature is at least 165°F to make sure they are fully cooked.

10. Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices stay inside. Enjoy your grilled chicken!

Equipment Needed

1. Grill that can be preheated to a medium high heat
2. Mixing bowl for the marinade
3. Measuring spoons to get the right amounts of oil and spices
4. Knife for mincing garlic and a citrus juicer or something similar to squeeze the lemon
5. Fork or whisk to mix all the marinade ingredients together
6. Plastic wrap to cover the bowl while the chicken marinates in the fridge
7. Tongs to carefully flip the chicken on the grill
8. Meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F before serving

FAQ

• Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
  A: The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of about 165°F. If you dont have one, cut into the thickest part and make sure its no longer pink.
• Q: Can I marinate the chicken for longer than the recipe calls for?
  A: Sure thing! Marinating the chicken for a few hours up to 24 hours can actually add more flavor. If you marinate for too long it might change the texture tho so i wouldnt go over a day.
• Q: Do I need to preheat my grill before cooking?
  A: Yes, always preheat your grill. This helps in getting a nice sear on the chicken and helps prevent sticking. Make sure it’s really hot before you put the chicken on.
• Q: What sides can i serve with this grilled chicken?
  A: There are many options. Common choices are grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or even some rice. You can also try coleslaw for an added crunch.
• Q: Can I use another type of oil or leave out the red pepper flakes?
  A: Absolutely. If you dont have olive oil, a neutral oil like canola works fine. And if you dont like it spicy, you can simply leave out the red pepper flakes.

Grilled Chicken Recipes Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have olive oil, try using avocado oil or canola oil. They work fine for grilling chicken.
• Lemon juice can be swapped out with lime juice or even a splash of white wine vinegar if your citrus is low.
• Don’t have dried basil? A pinch of Italian seasoning can do the job since it usually include basil already.
• If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder is a decent alternative. Just use about half the amount the recipe calls for.

Pro Tips

1. If u can, marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes, like up to 2 hours, so all the flavors really get into the meat. Just dont leave it too long or the acid from the lemon might start breakin it down.
2. Make sure your grill’s nice and hot and lightly oil the grates before you start. This helps stop the chicken from sticking and gives u those cool grill marks.
3. For even cooking, try to pound the chicken a little so each breast is more or less the same thickness. That way, u won’t end up with one side overcooked while the other side is still raw.
4. When u take the chicken off the grill, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep all the juices inside and makes it taste even better when u cut into it.