Description
This Best Grilled Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with bold garlic, lemon, and herb flavor every time. With a simple marinade and perfect grilling method, this easy grilled chicken recipe is ideal for meal prep, summer cookouts, and healthy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil for grill grates
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking. Trim excess fat if using thighs.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate: Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken and coat evenly. Marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours in the refrigerator). Remove from fridge 15–20 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat Grill: Heat grill to 400–425°F (medium-high). Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on grill. Close lid and cook 5–7 minutes. Flip and cook another 5–7 minutes. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from grill and let rest 5–10 minutes. Slice against the grain. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Do not flip chicken too frequently; allow grill marks to form. Resting the chicken keeps it juicy. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT15M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast or equivalent
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: best grilled chicken, grilled chicken marinade, juicy grilled chicken recipe