Grilled chicken recipes don’t have to be dry or boring. In fact, with just a few simple steps, you can make chicken that’s juicy inside, golden outside, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weeknight dinner or planning a cookout, this go-to grilled chicken recipe delivers every time.
With a quick marinade and proper grill technique, this chicken turns out tender, smoky, and versatile enough for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or just served with your favorite sides. No fancy tools or complicated rubs—just real flavor and foolproof method.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Juicy every time thanks to a quick lemon-garlic marinade
- ✅ Fast & easy – under 30 minutes of active time
- ✅ Meal prep friendly – great hot or cold
- ✅ Versatile – serve it sliced on salads, in wraps, or over rice
- ✅ Kid-approved and backyard-BBQ ready
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pound chicken: Place each breast between parchment or plastic wrap and pound to even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Make marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Marinate: Add chicken to a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours).
- Preheat grill: Set up for two-zone grilling—one side medium-high (direct heat), the other low (indirect).
- Grill chicken:
- Grill on direct heat for 2–3 minutes per side to sear.
- Move to indirect heat, cover, and grill another 3–4 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Rest & serve: Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 45–60 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
May vary based on marinade ingredients and portion size.
Tips & Variations
- No grill? Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add heat: Mix ½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne into marinade.
- Make ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate.
- Try thighs: This method works great with boneless skinless thighs too.
- Don’t skip the rest time: It locks in juices for better flavor.
Juicy & Easy Grilled Chicken
Equipment
- – Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- – Tongs
- – Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- – 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- – ¼ cup olive oil
- – 2 tbsp lemon juice
- – 2 tsp garlic powder
- – 1 tsp smoked paprika
- – 1 tsp dried oregano
- – 1 tsp salt
- – ½ tsp black pepper
- – Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Pound chicken to even thickness.
- Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag.
- Add chicken, marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Grill 5–6 mins per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Rest for 5 mins. Slice and serve.
Notes
– Marinate longer for deeper flavor
– Add chili flakes for heat
FAQs
How do I know when grilled chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Why pound the chicken breasts?
Even thickness ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.
What sides go well with grilled chicken?
Try it with roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, a simple Greek salad, or rice pilaf.
Conclusion
This is one of those grilled chicken recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, healthy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s your main course, sandwich filling, or salad topper, this recipe gives you juicy, flavorful chicken every time—with zero guesswork.