Grilled Chicken Breast

Grilled Chicken Breast is a versatile and flavorful dish that features juicy, well-seasoned chicken seared to perfection on the grill or in a skillet. It’s a healthy and high-protein option suitable for a variety of meals — from salads to sandwiches to full entrées.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a beautifully charred exterior and juicy interior. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and works well as part of a balanced diet. Whether meal prepping for the week or serving dinner in under 30 minutes, this grilled chicken will become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• olive oil

• salt

• black pepper

• garlic powder

• smoked paprika

• onion powder

• dried oregano or thyme (optional)

• lemon juice (optional, for marinating or finishing)

Directions

1. Pound the chicken: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. This ensures even cooking.

2. Season: In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any additional seasonings. Rub mixture onto the chicken breasts thoroughly.

3. Marinate (optional): For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for 15–30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

4. Preheat grill or pan: Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.

5. Grill the chicken: Cook each chicken breast for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

6. Rest before slicing: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

7. Serve: Slice or serve whole with your preferred sides.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2–4 (depending on portion size)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Marinating time: optional (15–120 minutes)

• Cooking time: 12–15 minutes

• Total time: ~25–30 minutes (excluding optional marinating)

Variations

• Use different seasoning blends like Cajun, Italian herbs, or lemon pepper.

• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce to the marinade.

• Grill with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for aromatic flavor.

• Slice and use in tacos, pasta, salads, or sandwiches.

• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier cut, adjusting cook time accordingly.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals.

• Freezing: Freeze grilled chicken (whole or sliced) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. How do I keep grilled chicken breast from drying out?

Pounding to even thickness, not overcooking, and resting after grilling are key. Marinating also helps retain moisture.

2. What is the best internal temperature for cooked chicken breast?

The safe and ideal internal temperature is 74°C (165°F). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

3. Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Yes. Use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Preheat well and ventilate your kitchen if needed.

4. How long should I marinate the chicken?

Even 15 minutes improves flavor, but for best results, marinate for up to 2 hours. Avoid marinating in acidic ingredients for too long, or the texture may degrade.

5. Should I cover the grill while cooking?

If using an outdoor grill, covering helps maintain even heat. Indoors, a loose cover helps reduce splatter but is optional.

6. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even grilling.

7. What oil is best for grilling?

Use oils with a high smoke point like olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil to prevent burning.

8. What sides pair well with grilled chicken?

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green salads, rice, couscous, or grilled corn.

9. How do I get nice grill marks?

Ensure the grill or pan is hot before adding the chicken and avoid moving it too early. Sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side.

10. Is grilled chicken healthy?

Yes, it’s a lean source of protein and low in fat (especially when skinless), making it a staple in many balanced diets.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Breast is a timeless, nutritious dish that works beautifully on its own or as a protein base for countless meals. With just a few ingredients and a reliable technique, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for lunchboxes, dinner plates, or weekly meal prep.

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