Description
This grilled chicken breasts recipe offers juicy, flavorful chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and paprika. Perfect for a healthy and delicious meal, the chicken is marinated, grilled to perfection, and garnished with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds total; choose high-quality chicken)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil (Helps keep the chicken moist)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (Freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Provides robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Adds warm, earthy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (Gives color and a hint of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Enhances all flavors)
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish and added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get the perfect sear and cook on the chicken evenly.
- Prepare for Grilling: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Discard any leftover marinade safely.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them to get grill marks. Flip and grill the other side for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Serve: Slice the chicken against the grain for tenderness and serve with your favorite sides or sauces. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro to add a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
- Patting the chicken dry before marinating helps the flavors penetrate better.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling prevents the juices from leaking out when sliced.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs according to your personal taste preferences.
