Most Excellent Grilled Chicken
Discover the secret to perfectly tender and flavorful chicken with our "Most Excellent Grilled Chicken" recipe, a crowd-pleaser that's both simple and spectacular. This recipe begins with a vibrant marinade made from a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and warm spices like paprika, oregano, and thyme, balanced with a touch of honey for natural sweetness. The chicken breasts are infused with bold, citrusy flavors as they marinate, resulting in juicy, smoky meat with a crispy, golden-brown char from the grill. Optimized for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and is the ultimate addition to any meal—pair it with grilled veggies, a crisp salad, or fluffy rice for a wholesome feast. Perfectly grilled chicken has never been this easy or delicious!
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Step 1
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to pound the thicker parts of the chicken slightly to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
Step 2
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the marinade.
Step 3
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for more intense flavor.
Step 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375–450°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 5
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the used marinade.
Step 6
Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes on one side without moving, then flip and cook for another 6–8 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; the chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part.
Step 7
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a plate covered with foil for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 8
Serve the grilled chicken warm with your favorite sides such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice pilaf. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 805.5 grams (805.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1584 |
| Total Fat 67.60g | 87% |
| Saturated Fat 13.50g | 68% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g | |
| Cholesterol 592mg | 197% |
| Sodium 1112mg | 48% |
| Total Carbohydrate 14.90g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.10g | 8% |
| Total Sugars 7.30g | |
| Protein 217.10g | 434% |
| Vitamin D 91IU | 453% |
| Calcium 118mg | 9% |
| Iron 8mg | 46% |
| Potassium 1941mg | 41% |
Source of Calories