Grilled chicken recipes are a staple for every home cook—simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, this grilled chicken delivers juicy, tender meat with minimal effort. Made with a bold marinade and foolproof cooking technique, it’s the go-to chicken recipe you’ll keep on repeat. Plus, it’s perfect for salads, wraps, or meal prep all week long.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Super juicy, never dry
- ✅ 6 basic ingredients you already have
- ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✅ High-protein, low-carb
- ✅ Great for grilling season or indoor grill pans
- ✅ Family-friendly flavor
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken
Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound to even thickness (about ½ inch) for even cooking. - Mix the Marinade
In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. - Marinate
Add chicken to the marinade. Let sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the fridge. - Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates. - Grill the Chicken
Place chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C). Don’t move the chicken too much—this helps get those grill marks. - Rest & Serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 20 minutes (or more)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
Tips & Variations
- 🔥 No grill? Use a cast iron pan or grill pan indoors
- 🍋 Citrus Swap: Try lime or orange juice in place of lemon
- 🌿 Herbs to Try: Rosemary, thyme, parsley, or cilantro
- 🧄 Add Fresh Garlic: For stronger flavor, use minced fresh garlic
- ❄️ Make Ahead: Freeze raw chicken in marinade for a ready-to-grill freezer meal
Grilled Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Marinate chicken 30 mins to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill with two zones (direct & indirect heat).
- Grill 2–3 min per side (direct heat), then 3–4 min (indirect) until 165°F internal.
- Let rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve.
Notes
– Works with thighs too
– Marinate ahead for best flavor
– No grill? Use stovetop grill pan
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless thighs are juicier and just as delicious. Adjust grilling time slightly.
How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
Pounding to even thickness and not overcooking are key. Always rest before slicing.
What should I serve with this?
Grilled veggies, rice, roasted potatoes, or even stuffed into wraps or tacos.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Conclusion
These grilled chicken recipes are proof that simple ingredients can yield mouthwatering results. Juicy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, this grilled chicken is your new secret weapon for quick dinners and meal prep alike. Fire up the grill and enjoy a no-fuss meal the whole family will love.