Description
This easy grilled chicken marinade combines lemon, garlic, olive oil, herbs, and spices to create juicy, flavorful chicken with a deliciously charred exterior. Perfectly suited for outdoor grilling, this marinade enhances both chicken breasts and thighs, resulting in a tender and tasty main dish ideal for dinner or BBQ gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 700 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a bowl until they are fully combined and well emulsified.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly on all sides to ensure even flavor penetration.
- Chill and Absorb: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a sealable container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, ensuring it reaches a temperature suitable for grilling chicken, typically around 190-230°C (375-450°F).
- Prepare for Grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade to prevent contamination.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, adjusting based on thickness. Turn carefully to get nice grill marks and even cooking.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to guarantee safe consumption.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay especially juicy on the grill due to their higher fat content.
- Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking and to prevent drying out.
- Do not reuse marinade that has contacted raw chicken unless it is first boiled to eliminate bacteria.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired