Hey there! You want a simple, tasty grilled chicken recipe with just three ingredients? You’ve come to the right place. This is the kind of recipe you can throw together when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something good. No fancy steps, no stress—just juicy, smoky, and delicious chicken. Let’s get to it.
Utensils You Need
You don’t need much for this, just a few basics:
- Grill (charcoal, gas, or grill pan)
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Brush (optional, for spreading seasoning)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 chicken breasts or 8 drumsticks
- Estimated Cost to Make: About $8, depending on your location
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Around 250 calories
- Cook Method: Grilling
- Season: Summer, but great all year
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, LowCarbDiet, HighProteinDiet
How to Make 3-Ingredient Grilled Chicken
You only need three ingredients to make this chicken taste amazing. Let’s go over them.
Ingredients You Need
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or 8 drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoning blend (like Cajun, Italian, or BBQ rub)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Melted butter, avocado oil |
| Seasoning blend | Salt + black pepper + garlic powder |
| Chicken breasts | Chicken thighs, wings, or drumsticks |
Instructions
- Prep the chicken – Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick better.
- Season it – In a bowl, mix olive oil and seasoning. Coat the chicken well on all sides.
- Preheat the grill – Set your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken – Place it on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once.
- Check doneness – The internal temperature should be 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part to check if it’s white and juicy, not pink.
- Rest before serving – Let it sit for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
Helpful Tips
- For extra juiciness, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for 30 minutes before grilling.
- If you’re using bone-in chicken, increase the cook time to about 25 minutes.
- Want crispy edges? Brush a little extra oil on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling.
What to Serve with 3-Ingredient Grilled Chicken
You can eat this on its own or pair it with something good. Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus)
- Rice or quinoa
- A simple salad
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like to serve it on a plate with some lemon wedges on the side. If you’re making a sandwich, slice it up and throw it in a bun with some lettuce and mayo.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for summer BBQs, family dinners, or even meal prep. It’s great for picnics too because it tastes just as good cold. You can pack it up and eat it with your hands.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re eating within 2 hours, just keep it covered on the counter.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on a skillet over low heat.
Freezing
- Freeze grilled chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best seasoning for this recipe?
Use whatever you like! Cajun, BBQ, lemon pepper, or even just salt and black pepper work well.
Can I make this without oil?
Yes, but the oil helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken from drying out. If skipping oil, grill on low heat.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill is preheated and lightly oiled. Don’t flip the chicken too soon—let it release naturally.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking. Otherwise, the outside will burn before the inside is done.