Perfectly Grilled Chicken Breast Juicy and Flavorful Every Time

Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast My Easy GoTo Recipe

By Chef MayaAugust 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to make grilled chicken breast taste amazing? This recipe is your ticket to the juiciest, most flavorful chicken you've ever grilled. Honestly, ditch the dry chicken forever!

Brief Overview

Best Barbecue Chicken Recipe starts with simple Italian flavors. This recipe is easy and quick. It takes about 51 minutes to 2 hours 23 minutes .

It makes 4 servings . This boneless grilled chicken is great for any meal.

Main Benefits

This healthy dinner recipes grilled chicken is packed with protein. You will make the juicy grilled chicken breast recipe in no time.

It is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ. What makes this recipe special? It's ridiculously easy and always a hit!

Let's Talk Chicken Prep

Wanna know a secret? The key to amazing grilled chicken breast is all in the prep. I used to just slap a chicken breast on the grill and hope for the best.

It never worked. We'll cover marinating, easy grilled chicken marinade and getting that perfect char.

What You Need: Ingredients

Here's what you will need:

For the Marinade: Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup), fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup), minced garlic (2 cloves), Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon), Italian herbs (1 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon).
For the Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each).

Tools of the Trade

You will need:

A grill (gas or charcoal)
A grill brush.
A small mixing bowl and whisk
A resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
A meat thermometer is a must.

Grilled Chicken Breast step-by-step

First, mix up that marinade. Then, let your chicken soak in the flavor. Next, preheat that grill! Grill each side for 6- 8 minutes , checking for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Let it rest before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute and is crucial . Finally, enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Grilled chicken prep meals are great with everything. Try it with grilled asparagus or a quinoa salad. I also love it in grilled chicken salad recipes . It’s so versatile, you know?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Grilled Chicken Breast Party Started!

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to make some seriously tasty grilled chicken breast . Seriously, we're aiming for Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe levels of deliciousness here!

Main Ingredients: The Starry Line-Up

Chicken Breasts : You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Aim for around 6-8 ounces/170-225g each. Quality is key! Look for chicken that is pink, plump, and doesn't smell funky. Nobody wants dodgy chicken!
Olive Oil : Get yourself 1/4 cup (60ml) of extra virgin olive oil. It’s gotta be good quality stuff.
Lemon Juice : Fresh is best! Squeeze out 1/4 cup (60ml) of it. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, honestly.
Garlic : Mince 2 cloves. That's about 1 teaspoon .
Dijon Mustard : You'll need 1 tablespoon (15ml) of this tangy goodness.
Italian Herbs : Go for 1 teaspoon (5ml) of dried Italian herbs. Think oregano, thyme, rosemary.
Salt : A pinch of 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) to bring out the flavors.
Black Pepper : Freshly ground, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Give it a good grind, yeah?

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You!

This marinade is a classic for a reason. The lemon and herbs are amazing. This is a great foundation for Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade .

Don't be afraid to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. Honestly, you can use lime juice instead for a change.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Grill : Gas or charcoal, your call. Just make sure it's clean! Remember to consider your Chicken Recipes BBQ Grilled .
Grill Brush : Vital for cleaning those grates. Nobody wants burnt bits on their grilled chicken .
Small Mixing Bowl : For your marinade magic.
Whisk : To get everything nicely mixed.
Resealable Bag or Dish : To marinate the chicken.
Meat Thermometer : This is your best friend! You need this. To ensure you reach the proper Grilled Chicken Internal Temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) , this avoids a culinary disaster.

So there you have it. All the bits and bobs to make some banging grilled chicken breast .

Cooking Method: Grilled Chicken Breast Perfection

Honestly, who doesn't love grilled chicken breast ? It's a staple. You can whip up healthy dinner recipes grilled chicken so easily.

Plus, its really versatile. I mean you can make all kinds of grilled chicken salad recipes using it! But getting it just right? That's the tricky bit.

I'm talking juicy grilled chicken breast recipe every single time.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: let's get organized. This is your essential mise en place.

Gather your ingredients. Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, salt, pepper and of course your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Having everything at the ready will save you a load of time.
Smash and mince those garlic cloves. Trust me, fresh garlic makes a difference. It's way better than the jarred stuff.
Now, about those chicken breasts. Make sure they are roughly the same thickness. If not, give them a gentle bash with a rolling pin. This will stop them from drying out unevenly.

Did you know? Over 80% of home cooks struggle with drying out chicken breast when grilling. But fear not, the secret is coming!

step-by-step Process: From Raw to Ready

Here's how we transform boring chicken into something special. This best barbecue chicken recipe starts with nailing the basics.

Whisk together your marinade ingredients. Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, herbs, salt, and pepper. Get it all combined in a bowl.
Pop your chicken breasts into a Ziploc bag. Pour that beautiful marinade all over them. Make sure they're well coated.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, do it for 2 hours . The longer, the better flavour. This helps with how to grill chicken breast without drying it out.
Preheat your grill to medium high heat ( 375- 450° F ). Make sure those grates are clean.
Grill for 6- 8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the grilled chicken internal temperature .
Use a meat thermometer. You need 165° F . That's the magic number for safe, cooked chicken.
Rest your chicken for 5- 10 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy tender grilled chicken prep meals .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

Want to take your boneless grilled chicken to the next level? Here are a few tricks.

Don't skip the resting time. Seriously. It's crucial for juicy chicken.
Oil the grill grates . It prevents sticking. No one wants shredded chicken.
Avoid overcooking. This is chicken breast enemy number one.

You know, I once left chicken on the grill for way too long. It was like shoe leather. Never again! Now, I swear by my meat thermometer.

The results are totally worth it. This method will let you create amazing chicken recipes bbq grilled meals. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Best Ever Grilled Chicken Breast

Alright, mates! We've covered the basics for making a juicy grilled chicken breast recipe . Now, let’s dive into some extra tips and tricks to really make this recipe shine.

Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew when I first started grilling chicken!

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)

Okay, so you've got perfectly grilled chicken breast . Now what? For plating and presentation, sometimes simple is best. I love slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of mixed greens for a grilled chicken salad recipes .

Or, if you're feeling a bit more cheffy, fan the slices out on a plate and drizzle with a balsamic glaze.

As for sides, think about what flavours complement the chicken. A simple quinoa salad is always a winner. Grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables are another great shout.

And don’t forget the drinks. A crisp white wine or even a simple iced tea goes perfectly with healthy dinner recipes grilled chicken .

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

So, you’ve made too much boneless grilled chicken , no worries! Pop any leftover grilled chicken prep meals into an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick, but honestly, slicing it and adding it cold to a salad is just as delicious.

Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Wrap each chicken breast individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag.

They’ll be good for up to 3 months. Just be sure to defrost them thoroughly before reheating.

Variations: Switch It Up!

Got dietary restrictions? No sweat! For a low-carb option, ditch the sides and serve your grilled chicken breast with a big pile of steamed greens.

Seasonal ingredient swaps? Absolutely! In the summer, try using fresh basil and tomatoes in the marinade. In the autumn, a touch of apple cider vinegar and some chopped rosemary can give your best barbecue chicken recipe a real seasonal twist.

Nutrition Basics: Good for You!

Each serving of this grilled chicken breast is packed with protein, clocking in around 40g, which is brilliant for keeping you full and satisfied.

It's also relatively low in fat (about 8g) and carbohydrates (around 3g). Plus, you get all the health benefits of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.

Just watch out for the sodium content (around 350mg), especially if you’re watching your salt intake.

So there you have it. Everything you need to make this easy grilled chicken marinade recipe a total success. Honestly, the key is to get that grilled chicken internal temperature spot on 165° F ( 74° C) and avoid figuring out how to grill chicken breast without drying it out .

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours and sides to find your perfect combo. Go on, give it a go!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep grilled chicken breast from drying out?

Nobody wants chicken drier than a vicar's wit! The key is to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling also helps redistribute the juices for a more tender result, a bit like letting a good cup of tea steep.

What's the best way to marinate grilled chicken breast for the most flavor?

Marinating is where the magic happens! Aim for at least 30 minutes, but a couple of hours is even better. This allows the marinade to really penetrate the chicken. For a deeper flavor profile, consider using a marinade with an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), oil, and herbs just like a proper Sunday roast has all the components for a memorable meal.

Can I grill chicken breast from frozen, and if so, how?

While technically possible, grilling frozen chicken breast isn't ideal. It can lead to uneven cooking, with the outside being charred before the inside is cooked through - a bit like trying to rush a good thing. Thawing the chicken completely in the refrigerator beforehand ensures even cooking and better flavor.

If you absolutely must grill from frozen, use a lower heat and be prepared for a longer cooking time, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How long does grilled chicken breast last in the fridge?

Properly stored grilled chicken breast will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool it down completely before placing it in an airtight container. Think of it like leftovers from a Bank Holiday barbecue delicious for a few days, but not worth risking beyond that!

What are some healthy ways to serve grilled chicken breast?

Grilled chicken breast is incredibly versatile and a great source of protein. Pair it with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or a whole grain side like quinoa or brown rice. Avoid heavy sauces and dressings to keep it healthy.

A squeeze of lemon and some fresh herbs can be all you need for a delicious and nutritious meal, just like a light summer lunch at Wimbledon.

How do I know when my grilled chicken breast is done without a thermometer?

While a thermometer is the most accurate way, there are a few visual cues. The chicken should be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork. Avoid cutting into the chicken to check, as this releases the juices.

If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and cook it a bit longer, but try to use a thermometer to get that perfectly cooked grilled chicken breast next time!