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Easy Juicy Beginner’s Grilled Chicken Recipe with Foolproof Marinade for Perfect BBQ

beginner’s grilled chicken recipe - featured image

A simple and foolproof grilled chicken recipe with a flavorful marinade that ensures juicy, tender chicken perfect for beginners and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or glass container and pour marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours (1 hour recommended).
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C).
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place on grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side without moving too much to develop grill marks.
  5. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) or cut into thickest part to ensure juices run clear and meat is opaque. If needed, move chicken to indirect heat to finish cooking.
  6. Transfer chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the resting step after grilling to keep chicken juicy. Pat chicken dry before grilling to avoid flare-ups. Flip chicken only once for best grill marks and juiciness. Keep grill clean and lightly oil grates before cooking. If no grill available, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or pan-sear 6-7 minutes per side.

Nutrition

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