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Grilled Chicken Recipe

Grilled Chicken Recipe

This grilled chicken recipe is a quick, flavorful, and juicy dish perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Featuring a simple marinade with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika, it guarantees tender and perfectly grilled chicken every time. Versatile and healthy, it’s ideal for pairing with various sides and easily customizable to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about 1.5 to 2 lbs)

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade tenderizes and infuses the chicken with vibrant flavor.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, to allow flavors to soak in deeply.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature (around 375°F to 450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and create attractive grill marks.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip only once to achieve a nice sear and prevent moisture loss.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite stays moist and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness without cutting into the chicken.
  • Do not skip the resting step; it seals in juices and enhances tenderness.
  • Marinate longer if possible for deeper flavor and juicier meat.
  • Preheat the grill properly to prevent sticking and develop a tasty crust.
  • Flip the chicken only once to minimize moisture loss and get beautiful grill marks.

Nutrition

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