When it comes to healthy and delicious meals, grilled chicken breasts are often at the top of the list. But did you know that the right marinade can elevate ordinary grilled chicken into a flavorful dish that your whole family will love? What’s your go-to recipe for chicken? You might be surprised to learn just how easy it is to achieve mouthwatering results with just a few simple ingredients. In this blog, we’ll explore a delectable marinated grilled chicken breasts recipe that is sure to impress.

Ingredients Needed

Preparing the key elements for your grilled chicken is crucial for flavor. Below is a list of ingredients you will need, complete with brief descriptions and potential substitutions.

4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets: Choose thin cutlets for even cooking. If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken breasts but increase cooking time.
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice: This adds a zesty kick and helps tenderize the chicken. Lime juice can be a great substitute.
⅓ cup canola oil: A light oil that won’t overpower the other flavors. Olive oil can be used for a richer taste.
¼ cup honey: Sweetens the marinade beautifully. Agave syrup or maple syrup can also work.
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth; yellow mustard can be substituted if necessary.
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky flavor. Regular paprika would also work if you’re in a pinch.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy taste; fresh thyme enhances flavor further.
1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning is essential for flavor balance.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Keeps the dish flavorful without overwhelming spiciness.

Timing

Cooking delicious grilled chicken breasts doesn’t have to take all day. Here’s a breakdown of the timing involved:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 to 2 hours (which is less than 20% of the average marination time for most recipes)
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes on the grill
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

This quick and easy preparation leaves you with ample time to get other meals on the table or enjoy a sunny day outside!

How to Make Grilled Chicken Breasts

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly grilled chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets into a large, heavy-duty Ziploc bag. This will allow you to easily marinate the chicken while minimizing mess.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a separate bowl, combine the lemon juice, canola oil, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until they’re fully blended into a cohesive marinade that smells divine.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag, seal it, and remove as much air as possible. Place the bag on a plate (to catch any potential leaks) and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your outdoor grill to approximately 400°F. This high heat is perfect for achieving those beautiful grill marks while sealing in the chicken’s juices.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, then flip and grill for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once done, transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and turn off the grill. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving to retain its juices.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving (based on four servings):

Calories: 250
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 400mg

This makes grilled chicken breasts a lean, high-protein choice perfect for any meal.

Healthier Alternatives for Grilled Chicken Breasts

If you’re looking for ways to boost the nutritional profile of your grilled chicken, consider these modifications:

Low-Honey Option: Reduce or replace honey with a low-calorie sweetener.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your mustard is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Herb Swap: Try using fresh herbs for better nutrition and flavor, such as rosemary or cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your meal experience with unique serving ideas:

Salad Base: Serve sliced chicken over mixed greens with your favorite vinaigrette.
Tacos: Shred grilled chicken and use it as a filling for soft tacos, topped with avocado and salsa.
Grain Bowl: Pair with farro or quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Skipping the Marination: Always marinate for at least 1 hour for the best flavor and tenderness.
Using Too High Heat: Monitor your grill temperature to prevent burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Not Letting It Rest: Neglecting to rest the chicken can lead to dryness; always let it rest before serving.

Storing Tips for Grilled Chicken Breasts

If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Vacuum-seal cooked chicken to freeze for up to 3 months.
Prepping Ingredients: Marinade chicken cutlets can be prepared a day in advance to save time.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken breasts are a versatile and delicious option for any meal. With this simple recipe, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser in under 90 minutes. Don’t forget to share this delightful dish with your friends, and feel free to explore more of our other chicken recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can be grilled similarly, just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

Using a meat thermometer, check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What can I pair with grilled chicken?

Consider serving with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

With these tips and the delicious grilled chicken breasts recipe, you’re ready to impress at your next dinner! Let’s get grilling!

Grilled Chicken Breasts: The Ultimate Recipe for Juicy Perfection

Author: linda
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A flavorful marinated grilled chicken breasts recipe, perfect for healthy and delicious meals that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
⅓ cup canola oil
¼ cup honey
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the chicken by placing the boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets into a large, heavy-duty Ziploc bag.
Make the marinade by combining lemon juice, canola oil, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a bowl and whisking until blended.
Marinate the chicken by pouring the marinade over the chicken in the bag, sealing it, and refrigerating for 1 to 2 hours.
Preheat the grill to approximately 400°F.
Grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest the chicken for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a low-honey option, reduce or replace honey with a low-calorie sweetener. Ensure mustard is gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken breast recipe, healthy grilling, marinated chicken, summer grilling, easy chicken dishes