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Garlic Sauce Grilled Chicken

Garlic Sauce Grilled Chicken
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Garlic Sauce Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish coated in a rich, zesty garlic sauce made with fresh garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make recipe offers tender chicken infused with bold and aromatic flavors that impress every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs (approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)

Garlic Sauce

  • 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño for spice
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano for herbal infusion
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt for creamy sauce variation
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Sauce: Mince fresh garlic cloves finely or use a garlic press for maximum flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sauce is well emulsified and the garlic is evenly distributed.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour half of the garlic sauce over them. Reserve the rest for basting and serving. Massage the sauce into the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375°F to 400°F). Clean the grates well and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. This ensures beautiful grill marks and keeps the chicken tender.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with the reserved garlic sauce to layer the flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.
  5. Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken ready to be garnished and served.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor over pre-minced or powdered versions.
  • Don’t Overcook: Grill carefully to avoid drying out the chicken and keep it juicy.
  • Marinate Longer: For more pronounced garlic flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
  • Room Temperature Chicken: Let chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
  • Rest the Meat: Allow grilled chicken to rest covered loosely with foil for juicy results.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic chicken, grilled chicken, garlic sauce, easy chicken recipe, grilled chicken breasts, barbecue chicken, juicy chicken, summer grilling

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/garlic-sauce-grilled-chicken/