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Easy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe for Beginners Juicy and Perfect

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A beginner-friendly grilled chicken breast recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful results with a simple one-marinade approach and minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 68 oz / 170225 g each)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano until well combined and slightly glossy.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness if uneven. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour marinade over, coat well, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours (45 minutes recommended).
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the chicken: Cook chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook another 5-6 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest the chicken: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Serve: Slice against the grain and enjoy as is or with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use even-sized chicken breasts or pound to even thickness for uniform cooking. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill. Marinate between 30 minutes and 2 hours for best flavor. Variations include adding cayenne pepper for spice or swapping herbs.

Nutrition

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