Marinated Grilled Chicken

Let’s talk about Marinated Grilled Chicken—a dish that’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and grilled to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a simple yet mouthwatering weeknight dinner, this recipe is your go-to. With a flavorful marinade packed with herbs, spices, and a hint of citrus, this chicken becomes tender, juicy, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, once you try this, grilling chicken will never be the same.

Why You’ll Love Marinated Grilled Chicken

Packed with Flavor: The marinade is key here. With a combination of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and a bit of olive oil, every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and just a touch of sweetness.

Juicy and Tender: The marinade not only adds flavor, but it also tenderizes the chicken, keeping it juicy and melt-in-your-mouth. Grilled to perfection, this chicken has just the right amount of char while staying succulent inside.

Quick and Easy: The best part? It’s super simple to make. Whisk together the marinade, toss the chicken in it, let it sit for a bit, and throw it on the grill. It’s that easy.

Versatile: Marinated Grilled Chicken works with just about anything. Pair it with a salad, serve it alongside roasted vegetables, or chop it up for tacos or wraps. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

For the perfect grilled chicken, you’ll need the following:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for grilling. If you prefer thighs, those work great too!

Olive Oil: The base of the marinade, helping to keep the chicken moist and tender.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that’s essential for that savory kick.

Lemon Juice and Zest: The fresh citrus adds a tangy brightness that perfectly complements the other flavors.

Honey: A touch of honey adds a bit of sweetness, balancing the tang of the lemon and the savory spices.

Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano give the chicken a fragrant, earthy flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Simple but necessary to bring out all the flavors.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick! If you like a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Instructions

Make the Marinade:

• In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This simple marinade will work its magic on the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken:

• Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it marinate for 2-4 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will work, but the longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be.

Prepare the Grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and glowing.

Grill the Chicken:

• Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For a perfect grill, don’t move the chicken around too much; let it get those gorgeous grill marks!

Rest the Chicken:

• Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making it extra tender and juicy.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice the chicken or serve it whole, and enjoy! Pair it with your favorite sides like a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or a comforting bowl of rice.

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 280
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes to 4 hours 16 minutes (depending on marinating time)

How to Serve Marinated Grilled Chicken

• With Salad: Serve the chicken on top of a fresh salad—perhaps a citrusy arugula salad or a classic Caesar—to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Grilled Vegetables: Pair it with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a light, healthy meal.
• Rice or Quinoa: A serving of rice, quinoa, or couscous will soak up any juices from the chicken, making for a filling and delicious meal.
• Wraps or Tacos: Slice the grilled chicken and wrap it in tortillas with some crunchy veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of dressing for an easy and satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little more heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
• Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or meal prep!
• Leftovers: Leftover grilled chicken is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and moisture, and they’re just as delicious when marinated and grilled.

Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
A2: Yes! If you don’t have a grill, bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Q3: How do I store leftover marinated grilled chicken?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve moisture.

Q4: Can I freeze marinated chicken?
A4: Yes! If you’re marinating the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Q5: What’s the best grill temperature for cooking this chicken?
A5: Medium-high heat (375-400°F) is perfect for getting that crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Q6: Can I add other spices to the marinade?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, cumin, or thyme for added depth of flavor.

Q7: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
A7: Yes! Marinating overnight will give the chicken even more flavor. Just be careful not to marinate too long (over 24 hours), as the acid in the lemon can make the chicken too tender.

Q8: Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
A8: Yes! A grill pan works wonderfully for indoor grilling. Just make sure it’s preheated and lightly oiled before adding the chicken.

Q9: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A9: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check if it’s no longer pink inside.

Q10: Can I double the marinade?
A10: Definitely! Just be sure to keep the chicken and marinade in a large enough container or bag so the chicken can be evenly coated.

Conclusion

Marinated Grilled Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and versatility. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a juicy, flavorful chicken that’s bound to become a weeknight favorite or the star of your next cookout. Happy grilling!

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