Say goodbye to dry, bland grilled chicken breasts. This recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Caption: Enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of perfectly grilled chicken.
Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the hardest to master, and grilled chicken is a prime example. Boneless chicken breasts, known for their leanness, often end up dry, rubbery, and lacking in flavor. Contrary to popular belief, marinating alone won't solve the problem; in fact, it can sometimes worsen it. But fear not! With my unique technique and marinade, you can achieve tender, succulent, and utterly delicious grilled chicken every single time.
What You’ll Need To Make THE BEST Grilled Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pound the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a 1-gallon freezer bag and pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. Not only does this tenderize the meat, but it also ensures even cooking. If you don't have a meat mallet, a rolling pin or a saucepan works just as well.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
Lemon plays a crucial role in this marinade, but we'll only use the zest. Contrary to popular belief, acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice won't tenderize lean boneless chicken breasts; instead, they can make the meat tough. By using only the zest, we infuse the chicken with lemon flavor without compromising its delicate texture.
Caption: Extract fragrant zest from the lemon using a fine grater.
Mix all the marinade ingredients (except for the chicken) together in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag. If the bag you used for pounding is still in good shape, feel free to use it again. Add the chicken breasts to the bag and massage the marinade into the meat until it's evenly coated.
Step 3: Marinate
Seal the bag and place it in a bowl in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in incredibly tasty grilled chicken.
Step 4: Grill
When you're ready to indulge, preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates. Clean and oiled grates are vital to achieving those beautiful grill marks. Ensure that your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. Thin chicken breasts only need about 2 to 3 minutes per side, so timing is crucial. If the chicken feels stuck when you try to flip it, give it another 30 seconds. It will naturally release when it's ready.
After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 3 to 4 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time helps retain the meat's juices, ensuring a moist and succulent texture. It's the perfect amount of time to get everything else ready for your meal.
While this chicken is undeniably best enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can also make a double batch and freeze it for future use in salads, pastas, and sandwiches. It's a versatile ingredient that can elevate various dishes.
Freezer-Friendly Tips
- Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before freezing.
- Keep the chicken pieces whole without slicing them before freezing.
- To prevent multiple pieces from sticking together and prolonging defrosting time, individually wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a ziplock bag. This also allows you to defrost one piece at a time.
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Now that you have the ultimate grilled chicken recipe, you can say goodbye to dry, tasteless chicken forever. With just a few simple steps and a flavorful marinade, you'll be able to create the juiciest, most mouthwatering grilled chicken breasts. Whether you're enjoying them as a stand-alone entree or incorporating them into your favorite dishes, this recipe is sure to impress. So fire up the grill and get ready to savor chicken perfection!
