Best Grilled Chicken
This Best Grilled Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with bold garlic, lemon, and herb flavor every time. With a simple marinade and perfect grilling method, this easy grilled chicken recipe is ideal for meal prep, summer cookouts, and healthy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Paper towels for drying
- Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Cooking oil for grill grates
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.
- Trim excess fat if using thighs.
- Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
- Pour marinade over chicken and coat evenly.
- Marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours in the refrigerator).
- Remove from fridge 15–20 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat Grill
- Heat grill to 400–425°F (medium-high).
- Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken
- Place chicken on grill.
- Close lid and cook 5–7 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 5–7 minutes.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest & Serve
- Remove from grill and let rest 5–10 minutes.
- Slice against the grain.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
- Do not flip chicken too frequently; allow grill marks to form.
- Resting the chicken keeps it juicy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.