Grilled Basil Chicken

Fire up your grill and elevate your next dinner with this irresistibly flavorful Grilled Basil Chicken! Marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory, zesty, and slightly sweet. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with bold, herbaceous flavor but also keeps it juicy and tender. Quick to prep and ready in under 40 minutes, this dish is versatile enough to pair with salads, grilled vegetables, or a light rice pilaf. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, this recipe will make your taste buds sing with every bite. Keywords: grilled basil chicken, basil marinade, juicy grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they're thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch for uniform cooking.

Step 2

In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth to create the marinade.

Step 3

Transfer the marinade to a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 4

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.

Step 6

Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.

Step 7

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean platter and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.

Step 8

Serve the grilled basil chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	821.6 grams (821.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1622

Total Fat 67.40g	86%
Saturated Fat 13.50g	68%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 2880mg	125%
Total Carbohydrate 24.20g	9%
Dietary Fiber 1.70g	6%
Total Sugars 18.00g
Protein 217.40g	435%

Vitamin D 7IU	35%
Calcium 126mg	10%
Iron 8mg	43%
Potassium 1948mg	41%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.6%

Protein: 55.3%

Carbs: 6.2%