The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

Marinated to perfection, The Best Grilled Chicken Breast offers a delightful mix of flavors that can elevate any meal. This dish is not just about taste; it’s also quick and healthy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or summer barbecues. Whether served with fresh salads or grains, this grilled chicken will surely impress your family and friends.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Marinade
• For the Chicken
• For Garnish
• How to Make The Best Grilled Chicken Breast
• Step 1: Pound the Chicken
• Step 2: Make the Marinade
• Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
• Step 4: Preheat the Grill
• Step 5: Grill the Chicken
• Step 6: Rest the Chicken
• Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
• How to Serve The Best Grilled Chicken Breast
• With Fresh Salads
• In Sandwiches or Wraps
• As Part of a Platter
• How to Perfect The Best Grilled Chicken Breast
• Best Side Dishes for The Best Grilled Chicken Breast
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing The Best Grilled Chicken Breast
• Reheating The Best Grilled Chicken Breast
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the best way to marinate chicken breast?
• How do I know when my grilled chicken is done?
• Can I use other marinades?
• What sides go well with grilled chicken breast?
• Can I grill frozen chicken breasts?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a simple marinating process, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs ensures each bite bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for various occasions, from casual dinners to elegant gatherings.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories and high in protein, this chicken breast fits well into any healthy diet.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking on the grill means less mess in the kitchen!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some essentials for preparing The Best Grilled Chicken Breast.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Meat mallet
• Resealable bag or shallow bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor.
• Meat mallet: Ensures even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
• Resealable bag or shallow bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken without creating a mess.

Ingredients

To make The Best Grilled Chicken Breast, gather the following ingredients:

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• Oil for greasing grill or grill pan

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This step helps ensure consistent cooking.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a resealable bag or shallow bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the pounded chicken to the marinade. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours. Before grilling, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375–450°F). Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard any remaining marinade. Grill each piece for about 3–4 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 155–160°F.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise to a safe level of 165°F.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve your grilled chicken warm alongside your favorite sides like salads or grains for a complete meal.

How to Serve The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

Serving grilled chicken breast can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy The Best Grilled Chicken Breast that highlight its Mediterranean flavors.

With Fresh Salads

• Greek Salad: Toss together cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing side.
• Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa with vegetables and herbs for a nutritious boost.
• Caesar Salad: Serve sliced grilled chicken over romaine lettuce with creamy Caesar dressing.

In Sandwiches or Wraps

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Layer chicken on a bun with avocado, lettuce, and tomato for a hearty meal.
• Mediterranean Wrap: Roll up chicken with hummus, spinach, and roasted peppers for a flavorful lunch option.
• Pita Pockets: Stuff pita bread with grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, and veggies for a quick snack.

As Part of a Platter

• Charcuterie Board: Include slices of grilled chicken alongside cheeses, nuts, and fruits for an elegant presentation.
• Grilled Vegetable Platter: Pair the chicken with seasonal grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for added color.

How to Perfect The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

To achieve juicy and flavorful grilled chicken breast every time, consider these essential tips.

• Bold Marinade: Use the marinade generously to infuse flavor into the chicken. The longer it marinates (up to 4 hours), the better the taste.
• Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling. This ensures they cook uniformly.
• Preheat Grill Properly: Make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve nice grill marks and prevents sticking.
• Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.
• Rest After Grilling: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices.
• Experiment with Variations: Don’t hesitate to try different herbs or spices in your marinade to personalize your grilled chicken experience.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

Pairing sides with your grilled chicken can enhance the meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some excellent options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with fresh herbs makes a delightful base for your grilled chicken.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort alongside the savory chicken.
4. Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with lemon juice and parsley provides a refreshing contrast.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the grilled chicken.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter complements the smoky flavors of the chicken beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling chicken breast can be simple, but certain mistakes can ruin your meal. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Over-marinating: Leaving chicken in the marinade for too long can make it mushy. Limit marinating to 30 minutes to 4 hours for best results.
• Not pounding the chicken: Skipping the pounding step leads to uneven cooking. Always pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent grilling.
• Skipping room temperature: Grilling cold chicken straight from the fridge can result in a dry exterior and undercooked interior. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling.
• Using high heat too early: Starting with too hot of a grill can cause burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high for perfect cooking without charring.
• Discarding all marinade: Some people throw away all the marinade without saving any for basting. Reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding the raw chicken for added flavor during grilling.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled chicken breast in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

• Wrap each grilled chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frozen grilled chicken can last up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Grilled Chicken Breast

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat chicken on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to marinate chicken breast?

Marinating is essential for flavor and tenderness. Use ingredients like balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs, as shown in The Best Grilled Chicken Breast recipe.

How do I know when my grilled chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe and fully cooked.

Can I use other marinades?

Absolutely! Variations like honey mustard or teriyaki sauce will also work well, giving you different flavors while maintaining juiciness.

What sides go well with grilled chicken breast?

Pair your grilled chicken with salads, roasted vegetables, or grains like quinoa or rice for a balanced meal.

Can I grill frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. However, if you must grill frozen breasts, adjust cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Best Grilled Chicken Breast is not only quick and healthy but versatile enough to suit any palate. Feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite herbs or spices and enjoy it all summer long!

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