Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast
A classic and simple recipe for grilled chicken breast that is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast approximately 6 breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag (4-6 quart). Leave the bag open, then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to carefully pound the chicken to ½ inch thickness.
Marinating
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour the marinade over the chicken (check the bag for holes before adding!). Zip the bag closed and massage the marinade into the chicken. Then refrigerate in a shallow dish for 4-12 hours.
Grilling
- Once ready, take the bag with chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the chicken for 2-4 minutes per side, covered, until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To store the grilled chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Don't skip the marinating step, and always let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.