Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time—this Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe removes the guesswork from outdoor cooking. With a balanced marinade and simple grilling method, even beginners can serve up delicious chicken that everyone will love. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or friendly backyard BBQs, guaranteed to impress with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Why This Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe Will Be Your Go-To
No more dry or bland chicken! This recipe pairs a tangy, savory marinade with clear grilling instructions to deliver beautifully charred, moist chicken every time. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, it works as the centerpiece for salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, or as a quick protein-packed main course.
The Secret to Juicy Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Marinade
The marinade is key to this recipe’s success. It blends olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a few aromatic herbs, infusing the chicken with rich flavor and ensuring it remains tender on the grill. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes—or up to 8 hours—for best results. The acid from the lemon both seasons and tenderizes, while the oil helps keep the chicken juicy as it cooks.
Grilling Technique: Simple Steps for Perfect Chicken
Patience and proper heat are essential for grilling chicken that’s both safe and succulent. Preheat your grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, turning only once for beautiful grill marks and even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F—no guessing needed.
Serving Suggestions for Foolproof Grilled Chicken
Once off the grill, let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices. Serve it whole alongside roasted vegetables, slice it onto salads, or tuck it into wraps and sandwiches. Add fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or your favorite dipping sauce to elevate the presentation.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Each serving (1 chicken breast) contains roughly 220 calories, with plenty of lean protein and minimal carbohydrates. This recipe makes 4 servings, making it excellent for healthy meal prep or sharing at your next gathering.
Foolproof Grilled Chicken (Recap)
This recipe ensures perfectly grilled chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and free from stress. The straightforward marinade and grilling tips make it an easy weeknight staple or a reliable star for your summer cookouts.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
- Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
This chicken recipe is a meal-prep powerhouse. Save and schedule this recipe for your weekly plan to generate a smart, organized shopping list and sync all your meals at once.
Planning Benefits:
- Auto-calculates total ingredient amounts across several recipes
- Puts all shopping items into easy-to-navigate grocery sections
- Eliminates forgotten items and multiple store runs
- Makes healthy eating and meal prep hassle-free and streamlined
Pro tip: If you plan several chicken recipes this week, schedule them together to effortlessly calculate your total chicken needs—never overbuy or underbuy again.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes active (plus marinating time)
