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Grilled Chicken Breast

This grilled chicken breast recipe is healthy, quick, and consistently juicy, making it a reliable choice for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Grilled
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 to 4 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts Similar size helps them cook evenly.
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil Essential for flavor and browning.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Can substitute lime juice.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Optional, helps with browning and balances tang.
  • 2 to 3 cloves Garlic, minced Or substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 to 1.5 teaspoons Salt Adjust depending on chicken thickness.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
  • pinch Chili flakes, oregano, or cumin Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Flatten the chicken a little by putting the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a zip top bag and gently pounding the thickest part.
  2. Mix the marinade in a bowl or bag with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken well.
  3. Marinate for 30 minutes if in a hurry, or up to 8 hours in the fridge for more flavor.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium high, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
Cooking
  1. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 5 to 7 minutes, adjusting time based on thickness.
  2. Check that the thickest part reaches 160°F and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not skip the oil in the marinade to help flavor stick. Keeping chicken at even thickness ensures even cooking. Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking makes it juicier.