There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly grilled chicken breast that’s juicy on the inside with a beautifully caramelized exterior. This juicy grilled chicken breast recipe has been my go-to for summer barbecues and weeknight dinners for over a decade. After countless trials and tweaks, I’ve perfected the technique that guarantees succulent, flavorful results every single time. The secret lies in a simple brine and proper grilling technique that locks in moisture while creating that coveted smoky char.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a healthy weeknight dinner solution, this chicken breast recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. In just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor and pairs beautifully with any side dish. This easy chicken breast recipe has become a family favorite because it’s foolproof, delicious, and incredibly versatile for meal prep or entertaining.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast
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
Equipment Required
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Plastic wrap or zip-top bag
- Paper towels
Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Brine
Create a simple brine by dissolving 2 tablespoons kosher salt and 1 tablespoon brown sugar in 2 cups warm water. Stir until completely dissolved. This crucial step ensures your boneless chicken breast recipes turn out incredibly juicy by helping the meat retain moisture during grilling.
Step 2: Brine the Chicken
Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine solution and let them sit for 15-30 minutes. Don’t exceed 30 minutes as the chicken can become too salty. This technique is essential for how to grill chicken breast successfully and is what separates amateur from professional results.
Step 3: Prepare the Marinade
While the chicken brines, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and fresh thyme in a bowl. This aromatic blend creates the perfect flavor profile for BBQ chicken recipes.
Step 4: Marinate the Chicken
Remove chicken from brine and pat completely dry with paper towels. Place in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Massage the marinade into the meat and let it rest for 10 minutes while you preheat the grill.
Step 5: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-425°F). Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking. Proper grill preparation is key to achieving those beautiful grill marks that make grilled chicken ideas come to life.
Step 6: Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade and place on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes without moving or flipping. This creates a beautiful sear and prevents sticking. Flip once and grill for another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. The chicken should feel firm to the touch and juices should run clear. This is the most important step in any chicken breast dinner preparation.
Step 8: Rest the Chicken
Remove from grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Slice the chicken against the grain and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. The result is perfectly juicy grilled chicken breast that’s restaurant-quality and ready to impress.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Pound to Even Thickness: Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness (about 3/4 inch) for even cooking
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give each piece plenty of space on the grill for proper heat circulation
- Oil the Grates: Always oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking
- One Flip Rule: Only flip the chicken once to maintain moisture and achieve perfect grill marks
Flavor Variations:
- Mediterranean Style: Add fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar to the marinade
- Cajun Spiced: Increase cayenne and add paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in the marinade
- Herb Crusted: Mix fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, sage, and parsley into the marinade
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile grilled chicken ideas recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus)
- Fresh summer salads with mixed greens
- Quinoa or wild rice pilaf
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and basil
Storage and Meal Prep:
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for weekly meal prep – grill extra chicken to use in salads, wraps, and bowls throughout the week
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 chicken breast):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 54g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
This lean protein option is perfect for those following healthy eating plans while still enjoying flavorful, satisfying meals.
Conclusion
This juicy grilled chicken breast recipe proves that simple techniques can yield extraordinary results. By combining a quick brine with a flavorful marinade and proper grilling technique, you’ll consistently create chicken that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pitmaster, this foolproof method will become your go-to for easy chicken breast recipes that impress every time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – it works equally well for intimate family dinners or large gatherings. Plus, the leftover chicken is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a healthy, delicious protein option.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your results! Please leave a comment below sharing your experience, any modifications you made, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share photos of your perfectly grilled chicken on social media – tag us to show off your culinary success!
For more delicious grilling recipes and cooking tips, be sure to explore our other BBQ chicken recipes and grilled chicken ideas on the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when grilled chicken breast is done?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer – chicken breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should also feel firm to the touch, and juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.
Can I make this boneless chicken breast recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can cook this recipe in a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even bake it in the oven at 425°F for 18-22 minutes. The key is achieving that beautiful sear for flavor and moisture retention.
What’s the best way to prevent chicken breast from drying out?
The combination of brining and not overcooking is crucial. The 15-minute brine helps the chicken retain moisture, and cooking to exactly 165°F prevents overcooking. Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
How long can I marinate the chicken before grilling?
For this recipe, 10-15 minutes of marinating after brining is perfect. If you skip the brining step, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. Longer marinating times can make the chicken mushy due to the acid in the lemon juice.
What are some easy chicken breast dinner ideas using this grilled chicken?
This grilled chicken is incredibly versatile! Use it in Caesar salads, slice it for sandwiches, dice it for grain bowls, or serve it whole alongside roasted vegetables. It’s also perfect for meal prep containers with quinoa and steamed broccoli.
What did you think of this recipe? Share your photos and results in the comments below!
