Juicy Grilled Chicken

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Nothing says summer quite like the smoky aroma of Juicy Grilled Chicken sizzling on the barbecue. This recipe brings out the best in boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a quick marinade that infuses the meat with bold, zesty flavors. The result? Tender, juicy, and perfectly charred chicken that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout or just looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, this grilled chicken hits all the right notes. It’s incredibly versatile—serve it over salads, tucked into wraps, or alongside your favorite grilled veggies. Plus, it comes together with pantry staples and a short prep time, making it a go-to you’ll come back to often.

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What’s the Best Marinade for Grilled Chicken?

The secret to juicy grilled chicken starts with the marinade. For this recipe, a blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs helps tenderize the chicken while adding layers of flavor. Letting it soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) makes all the difference. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will give you a noticeable boost in taste.

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Ingredients for the Juicy Grilled Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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How To Make the Juicy Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your flavor-packed marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the chicken to keep the juices sealed in.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps it tender.

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Serving and Storing Juicy Grilled Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken is a meal-prep dream. It pairs beautifully with rice, grilled vegetables, or a light pasta salad. For a lower-carb option, try it sliced over a bed of greens with a tangy vinaigrette.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just slice before freezing for quicker thawing and reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep grilled chicken from drying out?

Marinate it well and don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F internal temperature.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious and stay even juicier.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook the chicken on a grill pan or under a broiler. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and grill it the next day.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your Dijon mustard and other condiments are certified gluten-free.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Juicy Grilled Chicken recipe made your dinner table a little more exciting, you’ll love diving into these other reader favorites:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a creamy and romantic twist.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you love bold garlic flavor.
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for a sweet-spicy punch in every bite.
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken for easy set-it-and-forget-it meals.
• Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken for a pasta night upgrade.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add your own spice twist? Try a yogurt marinade instead? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own.

Happy grilling!

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