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Best Grilled Chicken Recipe

This is the ultimate versatile grilled chicken recipe—bright, flavorful, and infused with zesty citrus and savory garlic, making every bite irresistibly delicious without being overpowering. See the post for expert tips and techniques to achieve foolproof, juicy results, step-by-step photos, delicious variations, and serving ideas that make this your new go-to grilled chicken recipe!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Marinating 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4 -6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 ½-2 pounds chicken breasts
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Lemon Garlic Marinade

Instructions

  • Working in batches as needed, place the chicken in a large freezer bag. Use the flat side of a meat mallet, the side of a can, or a rolling pin to pound to an even thickness, between ½ inch and ¾ inch thick.
  • Whisk the marinade ingredients together in a freezer bag or a glass bowl. Add the chicken to the marinade and turn it to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours (the longer, the better).
  • When you're ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.

TO GRILL CHICKEN:

  • Preheat the grill to 400°F, clean, and grease the grates.
  • Grill the chicken undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through (an inserted thermometer should reach 160°F). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and freshly cracked salt to taste.

TO COOK CHICKEN ON THE STOVE:

  • Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's very hot, add the chicken and cook, undisturbed, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it’s deeply golden on one side.
  • Flip the chicken over, cover, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F on a meat thermometer. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and freshly cracked salt to taste.

TO BAKE CHICKEN IN THE OVEN:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Drain the chicken from the marinade and add it to the prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 16-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. (Baking time is for chicken that is approximately 1/2 inch thick; increase cooking time as needed for thicker chicken.)
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and freshly cracked salt to taste.

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