The Best Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
User Reviews
4.3
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
25 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
3
-
Calories
192 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
The Best Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
Description
The Best Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe focuses on using boneless, skinless chicken breasts prepared with olive oil and basic seasonings of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The chicken is cooked on a grill set up with both direct and indirect heat zones, allowing for initial searing over high heat and then gentler cooking to finish thoroughly without drying out. Lemon halves are grilled alongside the chicken to add a caramelized citrus note when squeezed over the meat at the end. The chicken is rested after cooking to retain juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful breast suitable for various meals.
Grilling this way helps achieve a nicely colored exterior with a juicy interior. The lemon enhances the mild flavor of the chicken without overpowering it. This preparation is versatile and can be served on its own, sliced for salads or sandwiches, or alongside vegetables and grains for a complete meal.
While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, notes indicate that adjustments in cooking time can accommodate bone-in or darker cuts like thighs. Resting the meat under foil after cooking is essential for optimal moisture retention.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 lemon halved, plural
Instructions
- Prepare one side of the grill for direct cooking at medium-high heat (450°F) and one side for low, indirect heat. Brush the cooking grates clean.
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil and rub over the breasts. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they easily release from the grates. Flip the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes longer. Move the chicken to the indirect heat and cook for another 5-8 minutes or until the breasts are firm to the touch and opaque all the way through, registering 160°F internal temp (the temp will rise to 165°F as the chicken rests). Add the lemon halves to the grill half way through cooking the chicken, cut side down, and cook for 3-5 minutes then move the lemon halves to the top rack of the grill.
- Transfer to a plate and cover with a piece of aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze the lemon on the chicken for extra flavor.
Notes
- The recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts but can be adjusted for bone-in or darker meat by increasing cooking time.
- Rest the chicken covered with foil for 5 minutes after grilling to help retain juices and improve tenderness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 192 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 3g | |
| Calories | 192kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 908mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 517mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 34IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 40mg | 44% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.3
You'll Also Love
