The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Recipe: Juicy and Flavorful

Why This Recipe Rocks

• Versatile: Use grilled chicken in salads, main courses, and more.
• Fail-Proof: Easy tips ensure tender and flavorful chicken every time.
• Simple and Delicious: A few key steps guarantee juicy, well-seasoned chicken.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts




• Chicken marinade (olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, herbs, spices)

Topping Ideas

• Feta or goat cheese
• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil)
• Creamy Greek yogurt pesto
• Avocado salsa








• Honey mustard sauce

Instructions

1. Pound the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts for even cooking.
2. Poke Holes:
   
   Pierce the chicken with a fork to enhance marinade absorption.
3. Marinate: Combine the chicken and marinade in a ziplock bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
4. Grill: Heat the grill to 475°F. Grill the chicken for 8-13 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Let Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
   

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Grilled Chicken: Add lemon zest to the marinade.
• Italian Grilled Chicken: Season with Italian seasoning.
• BBQ Grilled Chicken: Brine the chicken with salt, then brush with BBQ sauce.
• Buffalo Grilled Chicken: Brush with Buffalo sauce.
• Teriyaki Grilled Chicken: Marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
  
  
• Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken: Use lime juice in the marinade and finish with cilantro.

Tips for Avoiding Dry Chicken

• Marinate: Marinades tenderize the chicken and keep it moist.
• Pound:
  
  Pounding ensures even cooking and prevents the ends from drying out.
• Poke: Poking holes helps the marinade absorb more quickly.
• Temp It: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.

Storage and Meal Prep

• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet or microwave.
  
  
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Meal Prep: Marinate chicken up to 12 hours in advance. Grilled chicken is easy to freeze and use in various meals.