Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast
A simple yet flavorful grilled chicken breast recipe featuring olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning, yielding tender and juicy results for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast Lean protein
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Adds moisture and richness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Impacts flavor profile
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Adds brightness
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Provides herbaceous notes
- 1 teaspoon sugar Balances acidity
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder Enhances garlic flavor
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt Boosts overall taste
- to taste ground black pepper Adds peppery warmth
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by prepping the chicken. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a large ziploc bag. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound the chicken to about ½ inch in thickness.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to create a cohesive mixture.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken in the ziploc bag. Seal the bag tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken. Place the bag in the refrigerator to marinate for 4 to 12 hours.
Grilling
- After marinating, take the bag out of the fridge and let it sit for about 20 minutes at room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill each side for 2 to 4 minutes, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature).
- Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make sure the chicken is well-pounded for even cooking. Always let the chicken rest after grilling to maintain moisture.