Description

This easy grilled chicken recipe produces perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. Marinated in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to golden perfection with beautiful char marks, this is the ultimate go-to recipe for summer cookouts, healthy meal prep, or any time you want delicious grilled chicken without the fuss.

Ingredients

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For the Marinade:

¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts) OR 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks

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Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
Pound chicken (if using breasts): If using chicken breasts, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges. Skip this step if using thighs or drumsticks.
Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat all pieces evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. Turn the bag occasionally to redistribute marinade.
Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush, then oil them lightly by dipping a folded paper towel in oil and rubbing it over the grates using tongs. This prevents sticking.
Prepare chicken for grilling: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before grilling—this promotes even cooking.
Grill the chicken: Place chicken on the preheated grill at a slight diagonal to create attractive grill marks. Close the lid. For boneless breasts: Grill for 6-7 minutes without moving, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For bone-in pieces: Grill for 12-15 minutes per side (25-30 minutes total) until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part, not touching bone.
Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F. The chicken should also feel firm (not squishy) when pressed, and juices should run clear.
Rest before serving: Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Serve: Slice boneless breasts if desired, or serve pieces whole. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip pounding chicken breasts to even thickness—this is crucial for even cooking.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is ideal for maximum flavor penetration.
Never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken—discard it to prevent foodborne illness.
If chicken is browning too quickly on the outside before cooking through, move it to indirect heat (cooler part of grill) and close the lid.
Internal temperature is the only reliable indicator of doneness—invest in an instant-read thermometer.
For extra-flavorful chicken, reserve some marinade before adding chicken, then brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling.
Chicken continues to cook slightly after removing from grill, so you can pull it at 160-162°F and let it coast to 165°F while resting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz cooked)
Calories: 245
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 485mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg