Grilled Chicken Breast

When you want something easy, healthy, and super tasty, this grilled chicken breast is a total win.

It cooks up fast, comes out juicy every time, and you can season it however you like.

Plus, grilled chicken breast pairs with just about anything from fresh salads to roasted veggies or even your favorite pasta.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this is one recipe that you are going to come back to time and time again. 

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This is the best grilled chicken breast recipe because it’s quick, easy to prepare, highly customizable, and incredibly versatile.

With a handful of simple ingredients and just 20 minutes of your time, you can have a flavorful meal ready with minimal effort. This makes these easy grilled chicken breasts the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Additionally, this recipe is very easy to customize to your personal taste and dietary preferences. Want more heat? Add chili powder or cayenne. Prefer a Mediterranean flair? Try fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. 

Plus, you can serve these healthy grilled chicken breasts with just about any side dish, from salads to grains to roasted vegetables. You can also slice it for sandwiches and wraps or add it to pasta or rice bowls. The options are endless.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast:

For the best grilled chicken breast recipe, fresh chicken breasts are preferable to frozen, as they tend to have a slightly better texture and grill more consistently. However, if you are using frozen chicken breasts, ensure they are fully thawed before grilling. Additionally, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically the go-to option. They cook faster and more evenly. Bone-in chicken breasts, on the other hand, offer more flavor but take longer to grill—around 10-12 minutes per side. If you opt for bone-in, be sure to grill them at a lower temperature to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked. You can also opt for grilled chicken thighs if you prefer, or even pork chops, turkey breasts, and fish fillets can be made in this same way.

Mixed Spices:

This easy grilled chicken breast recipe is so easily customizable that you can season it using any of your favorite herbs and spices. This recipe uses garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. However, thyme, rosemary, cayenne, chili powder, coriander, or curry powder can also be used to season your grilled chicken breast according to your taste preferences.

Lemon Zest:

Lemon zest is used in this recipe for grilled chicken breast to intensify the lemon flavor. You can really use any kind of citrus in this recipe, like lime, orange, and grapefruit. However, if you are looking for a more subtle flavor, you can eliminate the zest completely.

Lemon Juice:

While the lemon zest is what adds the majority of the lemon flavoring to your grilled chicken breast recipe, the lemon juice acts as a tenderizer for the chicken, resulting in a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken breast. So even if you choose to eliminate the zest, the lemon juice still plays an important role. In lieu of lemon juice, you can also use a splash of vinegar like white, apple cider, rice wine, or balsamic vinegar, white wine, buttermilk, yogurt, Worcestershire sauce, or mustard to marinate your chicken. 

Olive Oil:

It's incredibly important to oil your grill before cooking as it prevents your chicken breasts from sticking to the grill. Olive oil is an excellent choice as it has a high burn point, and you can also use it in the marinade for the chicken, giving it a richer flavor. If you don't have any olive oil, you can also use avocado, vegetable, or canola oils.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Breast

Step One: 

Combine the chicken breast in the mixed spices, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl and toss to coat.

Step Two: 

Coat your grill with the olive oil and bring to medium-high heat.

Step Three: 

Place your marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill pan and cook until seared, 6-8 minutes.

Step Four:

Flip the chicken and cook until seared on the opposite side, 6-8 minutes.

Step Five: 

Serve your juicy grilled chicken breast alongside your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!

Tips

• For the most flavorful results, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This will help tenderize the meat, creating a juicy and flavorful breast.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165F, ensuring your healthy grilled chicken breast is safe and juicy.
• After grilling, allow your grilled chicken breast to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist and flavorful result.

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Breast

A juicy grilled chicken breast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a meal that is light and healthy, serve it with a fresh Caesar salad, grilled vegetables, or a quinoa bowl.

For a heartier option, consider pairing your marinated grilled chicken breast with creamy mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or a classic pasta salad. This healthy dish also complements flavorful sides like couscous, rice pilaf, or pasta.

If you’re looking for a zesty touch, top your grilled chicken breast with a dollop of pico de gallo, guacamole, or a tangy chimichurri sauce. 

FAQs

How do I keep the grilled chicken breast from drying out?

To avoid dry chicken, marinate it and grill over medium-high heat. Cooking it to an internal temperature of 165F and letting it rest afterward will help retain moisture.

Can I grill chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this grilled chicken breast recipe is a great one to keep on hand for your weekly meal prep because of how easily these grilled chicken breasts can be prepared. Fully grilled chicken breasts can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.

What's the best way to reheat leftover grilled chicken breast without drying it out?

To reheat leftover grilled chicken breast without drying it out, heat it in a covered dish with a bit of chicken broth or water at 300F in the oven, or gently reheat it in a skillet with a lid.

Chicken Recipes

Chicken is a highly versatile and easy protein to base your meal around. However, it can sometimes be a challenge to find new ways to prepare it. That's why we have gathered together some of our favorite chicken recipes to help inspire your next clucking good meal.

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