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Best Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 100 reviews

This recipe guides you through making the best juicy grilled chicken breast, featuring a simple brine and flavorful marinade that ensures moist, tender chicken with beautiful grill marks and a delicious smoky taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Marinade:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

For Serving:

  • Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brine: Dissolve 2 tablespoons kosher salt and 1 tablespoon brown sugar in 2 cups warm water. Stir until completely dissolved to create a brine that will help the chicken retain moisture while grilling.
  2. Brine the Chicken: Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine solution and let them sit for 15-30 minutes, ensuring not to exceed 30 minutes to avoid oversalting.
  3. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and fresh thyme to create a flavorful marinade.
  4. Marinate the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry completely with paper towels. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, massaging it into the meat. Let it rest for 10 minutes while preparing the grill.
  5. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-425°F). Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and to achieve perfect grill marks.
  6. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes without moving or flipping to create a good sear. Flip once and grill for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. The chicken should feel firm and juices should run clear.
  8. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
  9. Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken against the grain and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

  • Do not over-brine the chicken to avoid it becoming too salty or mushy.
  • Patting the chicken dry after brining is crucial for proper searing and grill marks.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness and food safety.
  • Resting the chicken post-grilling enhances juiciness and flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit to suit heat preference.

Keywords: grilled chicken breast, juicy chicken recipe, BBQ chicken, summer grilling, easy chicken marinade, healthy grilled chicken

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/best-juicy-grilled-chicken-breast-recipe/