If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with fresh, zesty flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare, this Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are soaked in a vibrant blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating layers of flavor that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next barbecue, this recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness that you’ll love sharing at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a natural and essential role to bring out a harmony of bright, savory, and slightly sweet flavors while ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the perfect canvas for soaking up the marinade and grilling to juicy perfection.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps blend all the marinade flavors.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings a vibrant tartness that brightens the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances acidity with a gentle touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes an earthy, Mediterranean aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a fresh, herbaceous note perfect for poultry.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor component.
How to Make Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This marinade combines acidity, sweetness, and herbs, forming the flavorful bath that will transform your chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; if you have the time, 8 hours is ideal to let those flavors penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat wonderfully.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Before cooking, get your grill heated to medium-high. This temperature ensures a lovely sear outside while keeping the interior juicy—key for that perfect grilled chicken experience.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover liquid to avoid flare-ups. Grill each breast for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, checking that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute inside, resulting in a tender, juicy bite that melts in your mouth every time.
How to Serve Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the grilled chicken to add a pop of fresh green and a subtle herbal finish. A thin slice of lemon on the side enhances the lemony brightness already infused in the chicken.
Side Dishes
This Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, a fluffy quinoa salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. Each side complements the chicken’s bold flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the grilled chicken sliced atop a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing salad. Or, layer the slices in warm pita bread with tzatziki and tomatoes for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-sealed preserves its moisture and flavor while making it easy to enjoy as leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, cooked chicken freezes well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust your grilling time slightly, as thighs generally take a bit longer to cook through.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is enough to add good flavor, marinating for up to 8 hours enhances the taste and tenderness significantly. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent the texture from becoming mushy.
Can I grill this recipe indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stove or an indoor electric grill. Just make sure it’s preheated well to get those nice grill marks and cook evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This chicken keeps well in the fridge and can be used throughout the week in salads, wraps, or simply reheated for quick meals, making it perfect for meal prepping.
What if I don’t have dried oregano or thyme?
No worries! You can substitute with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if available. Fresh herbs should be added later in the cooking process to preserve their bright flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe is one of those incredible dishes that’s simple, reliable, and full of vibrant flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a fuss-free meal that feels special and wholesome. I encourage you to dive in, try it out, and maybe even make it your signature grilled chicken recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts infused with a flavorful marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and herbs. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, the chicken is marinated to enhance taste then grilled to perfection for a smoky, charred finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure proper cooking temperature for the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) indicating fully cooked chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil in the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
- The resting step is crucial to keep the chicken moist and tender.
