Hey there, my friend. You want juicy grilled chicken that tastes better than restaurant-style? You are in the right place. This method gives you a tender inside and a lightly charred, smoky outside.
No dry, bland chicken here. You are about to make the best grilled chicken with simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Grill (charcoal, gas, or electric)
- Tongs
- Basting brush (optional)
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 pieces of grilled chicken
- Estimated Cost: About $10, depending on chicken prices in your area
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 250 kcal
- Cook Method: Grilling
- Season: Great for all seasons but best in summer
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: LowFatDiet, HighProteinDiet, GlutenFreeDiet
Ingredients You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional for extra flavor)
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 | Vegetable oil or melted butter |
| Lemon juice | Vinegar or lime juice |
| Paprika | Chili powder (for spice) or smoked paprika |
| Garlic powder | Fresh minced garlic |
| Dried oregano | Italian seasoning or fresh thyme |
| Soy sauce | Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos |
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken – Wash and pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Use a knife to trim any fat.
- Make the marinade – In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, lemon juice, and soy sauce.
- Coat the chicken – Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure it is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).
- Preheat the grill – Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
- Grill the chicken – Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once.
- Check for doneness – Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part. It should be white inside, not pink.
- Rest the chicken – Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- Serve and enjoy – Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If you want extra char and smoky flavor, cook over a charcoal grill instead of gas or electric.
- Do not press down on the chicken with a spatula while grilling. This squeezes out the juices.
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- If your chicken is too thick, pound it slightly to even thickness before grilling.
- For a juicier result, cover the chicken loosely with foil while resting.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Fresh salad
- Grilled corn
- Garlic bread
- Rice or quinoa
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. Bone-in chicken takes about 25-30 minutes, depending on thickness. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
How do I prevent my grilled chicken from drying out?
Marinate your chicken for at least 10 minutes and do not overcook it. Using a meat thermometer helps. Also, let it rest after grilling to keep the juices inside.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in an oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
How long can I store leftover grilled chicken?
You can keep grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat grilled chicken?
For the best taste, reheat it in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. You can also use an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long, or it may dry out.
