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Best Grilled Chicken

Best Grilled Chicken

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Discover the Best Grilled Chicken recipe that delivers juicy, smoky, and flavorful results every time. With simple pantry ingredients and an easy marinade, this grilled chicken is tender, perfectly charred, and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days, weekend cookouts, or any home-cooked meal. Suitable for all skill levels and naturally gluten-free, this recipe is versatile and adaptable with various herbs and spice options to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (quantity as desired)

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon chili flakes for spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with rich, smoky, and herbal flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated evenly. Gently massage the marinade into the meat, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Preheat the Grill: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat—about 400°F for gas grills or evenly glowing charcoal coals. A hot grill is crucial for searing the chicken and locking in juices.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill skin-side down. Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes to develop a crispy, charred skin. Flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring thorough cooking.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender bites. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning and crispier skin.
  • Oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
  • Rest the chicken after grilling to retain moisture and flavor.
  • If time permits, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast piece
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: grilled chicken, barbecue chicken, smoky chicken, easy grilled chicken, summer recipes, gluten free, backyard cookout

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/best-grilled-chicken/