Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

A Simple, Delicious, and Healthy Meal

Grilled chicken breast is one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can make. It’s packed with flavor, high in protein, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family, this recipe is a great choice because it’s simple yet full of taste.

One of the best things about this grilled chicken breast recipe is that it’s super juicy. No more dry, tough chicken! With the right seasoning and a few simple tricks, you’ll have a perfectly grilled piece of chicken that’s tender and bursting with flavor.

Plus, this recipe is versatile. You can serve the chicken on its own with a side of veggies, slice it over a fresh salad, or even use it in a sandwich or wrap. It’s also great for meal prep—just make extra and store it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.

If you love quick, healthy, and delicious meals, this grilled chicken breast recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – You only need a few simple ingredients and a grill or stovetop pan.
• Super juicy and flavorful – A special marinade keeps the chicken moist and delicious.
• Healthy and high in protein – Perfect for a balanced meal.
• Great for meal prep – Cook extra and enjoy it all week.
• Versatile – Serve it with salads, rice, veggies, or in wraps and sandwiches.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Lemon wedges
• A drizzle of extra olive oil

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools for grilling your chicken perfectly:

• Cutting board – For trimming and preparing the chicken.
• Sharp knife – To cut the chicken if needed.
• Mixing bowl – To combine the marinade.
• Measuring spoons – For accurate seasoning.
• Tongs – To flip the chicken easily while grilling.
• Grill pan or outdoor grill – A grill pan works well if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
• Meat thermometer – To check doneness (recommended but optional).

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. If your chicken breasts are thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them lightly with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they are about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Let them sit for 15-30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra flavor).

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
3. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making it extra tender.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the chicken and serve with your favorite sides! Try it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, rice, or in a sandwich.

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken becomes dry. A meat thermometer helps get it just right.
• Let the chicken rest before cutting. This keeps it juicy.
• Marinate for extra flavor. If you have time, marinate the chicken for a few hours or even overnight.
• Use a grill pan if you don’t have a grill. You’ll still get those nice charred marks!
• Try different seasonings! Add a little cayenne for spice or swap oregano for thyme for a different flavor twist.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This grilled chicken breast recipe is super versatile! You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have or adjust flavors to match your preferences.

Substitutions:

• Olive oil → Use avocado oil or melted butter for a slightly different taste.
• Lemon juice → Swap with lime juice or vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) for a tangy kick.
• Paprika → Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Dried oregano → Try thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for variety.
• Garlic powder → Fresh minced garlic works great, too!

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.
• BBQ Style: Swap the marinade for your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and honey instead of lemon and oregano.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest for a fresh, slightly sweet taste.

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Serving Suggestions

Grilled chicken breast is incredibly versatile! Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

Simple Meal Ideas:

• With veggies – Pair with roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• Over salad – Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh green salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
• With rice or quinoa – Serve with fluffy rice or a grain like quinoa for a balanced meal.
• In a wrap or sandwich – Add sliced grilled chicken to a tortilla or sandwich bread with lettuce and a tasty sauce.
• With pasta – Chop and toss it into a pasta dish with olive oil and parmesan cheese.

Dipping Sauces:

• Garlic butter sauce
• Honey mustard
• Ranch dressing
• Tzatziki sauce
• Chimichurri

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and warm the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts until warm.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes for a crispy texture.

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FAQ

1. How do I keep grilled chicken breast from drying out?

Marinate it before cooking, don’t overcook it, and let it rest for a few minutes after grilling.

2. Can I cook this chicken indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! Use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or even a regular nonstick pan to cook on the stovetop.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they take a bit longer.

4. What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?

Place the chicken and marinade in a zip-top bag or bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Grill the chicken, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to eat. It’s great for meal prep!

Now you’re all set to make the perfect grilled chicken breast. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!