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Grilled Chicken Recipe

Grilled Chicken Recipe

This easy Grilled Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken with minimal prep time. Utilizing simple pantry staples and quick grilling techniques, it guarantees a healthy, versatile meal that pairs well with numerous sides and suits various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure maximum browning. Drizzle olive oil evenly over each piece and gently rub it in to help the seasoning stick and prevent drying out during grilling.
  2. Season Generously: Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing lightly so it adheres well, providing a rich flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. This ensures perfect grill marks and a sear that locks in the juices.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Avoid flipping frequently to develop a nice crust. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe, juicy results.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.

Notes

  • Uniform thickness: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook consistently.
  • Don’t skip resting: Resting is key for juicy chicken, so be patient before slicing.
  • Use direct heat first: For defined grill marks, place chicken on direct heat before moving to indirect heat to finish cooking.
  • Oil the grill grates: Prevent sticking by brushing grill grates lightly with oil before cooking.
  • Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free, simple ingredients