The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe

Imagine yourself savoring a mouthwatering grilled chicken that’s been marinated to perfection, with a zingy lemon twist and a hint of smoky paprika—you’re about to unlock the secret to a dish that turns a regular dinner into a culinary adventure!

I love to light the grill for this super tasty grilled chicken recipe. With juicy, boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been marinated in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, and then rub-a-dub seasoned with oregano and smoked paprika, this dish is strikingly flavorful.

And high in protein, to boot! I must say.

Fresh parsley sprigs make this dish a real looker, and you could very well serve it with some lemon wedges for a bit more visual appeal.

The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat; rich in antioxidants; enhances flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness; high in vitamin C; aids digestion.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity; adds robust flavor; anti-inflammatory properties.
• Oregano: Herbacious, earthy flavor; rich in antioxidants; antimicrobial benefits.
• Smoked Paprika: Deep smoky flavor; adds color; contains vitamin A.
• Parsley: Brightens dishes; rich in vitamins K and C; enhances freshness.

The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make this The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe

1. Begin by prepping the marinade. Whisk together in a bowl the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

2. Put the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.

3. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor. When rotating the chicken, you should do so occasionally and gently enough for the marinade to cover the entirety of the surface area of the chicken. This step ensures that the frying process is both safe (the chicken is fully cooked, and the surface area of the chicken is fully sealed and safe from the marinade) and that the chicken is tender and juicy.

4. Get your fire going and warm your grill to a fairly high temperature; medium-high works nicely, which is about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). If you are using a grill that burns charcoal, light your briquettes.

5. To stop the chicken from adhering, oil the grill grates.

6. Take the chicken breasts out of the marinade and put them on the ready-to-use grill. Get rid of the leftover marinade.

7. For 6-8 minutes on every side, cook the chicken on a grill, until you achieve an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or 75 degrees Celsius. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, wag the chicken around a bit on the grill and see if it looks like it’s cooking through and reaching the final product stage—goodbye pinkness, hello clear juices.

8. When the cooking is done, take the chicken off the grill and let it sit for some minutes before cutting it.

9. Add finely chopped parsley to the grilled chicken just before serving. The bright green herb lends a vibrant color contrast to the dish that absolutely shouts, “Look at me! I’m delicious!” Furthermore, the fresh parsley adds a taste element that can’t be beat!

10. Accompany the chicken with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top just before serving. Now, eat your incredibly scrumptious and super-flavorful grilled chicken!

The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Whisk
2. Mixing bowl
3. Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Grill (gas or charcoal)
6. Tongs
7. Grill brush or paper towel (for oiling grates)
8. Meat thermometer
9. Cutting board
10. Knife

FAQ

• What can I substitute for olive oil?You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil instead of olive oil if you prefer.
• Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?Indeed, chicken that still has the bones can be used, but modify the duration of grilling to make sure that it is cooked all the way through.
• How long should I marinate the chicken?To achieve optimal outcomes, allow the chicken to undergo the specified process for a minimum of half an hour, and if at all possible, extend the duration to anywhere between 2 to 4 hours in a chilled environment.
• Can I grill the chicken if I don’t have a grill?Indeed, a grill pan can be used on the stovetop, and if chicken is to be prepared in the oven, it can be done using the broil function.
• Is the cayenne pepper necessary?Cayenne pepper is an optional ingredient, which can be left out if you want a more subdued flavor.
• Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?You can substitute with approximately 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano for the dried oregano.
• How do I ensure the chicken is not dry?Do not overcook the chicken and allow it to rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep its juices.

The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Lemon juice: Substitute with lime juice or apple cider vinegar for a different type of acidity.
Garlic: In place of fresh minced garlic, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Sodium chloride: Use either sea salt or kosher salt in its place, to taste.
Oregano: For a substitution, use dried thyme or basil instead for an alternative herbaceous note.

Pro Tips

1. Tenderize the Chicken: Before marinating, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook evenly on the grill and remain juicy.