This easy Italian grilled chicken is juicy and bursting with flavor! It’s marinated in olive oil, herbs, and garlic, making it super tasty and perfect for any meal.
Cooking it on the grill adds those lovely smoky notes that no one can resist. I love to serve it with fresh veggies or pasta salad—it’s like a mini Italian getaway on my plate! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness or even turkey cutlets if you prefer a leaner option.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with the marinade. If you’re out of olive oil, you could use avocado oil or vegetable oil, but olive oil gives the best taste!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor of the chicken. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but use a little less since it can be stronger.
Herbs: Basil, oregano, and thyme are key for that Italian flavor. If you don’t have all of them, you could use Italian seasoning, which combines these herbs and more.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth. In a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but I find fresh creates a much better taste.
How Can I Ensure My Grilled Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
One key to tender grilled chicken is marinating! This allows the flavors to soak in and the acid from the lemon juice helps to break down some of the proteins, making it more tender. Here are some tips:
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes; 1-2 hours is best for enhanced flavor.
- Before grilling, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
- Use medium-high heat; too high can dry out your chicken.
- Don’t skip the resting time after grilling! Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute.
Following these tips will help you achieve a perfectly juicy and flavor-packed grilled chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Italian Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus extra lemon slices for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and ideally 1-2 hours for marinating. After marinating, you’ll spend about 15 minutes grilling the chicken. In total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. This marinade will give your chicken delicious Italian flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours to really soak in all the yummy flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil or a grill spray.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For added flavor, place lemon slices on top of the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking to grill alongside.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken and grilled lemon slices from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy. Serve the grilled chicken breasts topped with the grilled lemon slices and enjoy with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad, pasta, or grilled veggies.
This recipe creates juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a classic Italian herb and lemon marinade, perfectly complemented by smoky grill marks and caramelized lemon slices. Buon appetito!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Just ensure you adjust the grilling time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. However, if you marinate for too long, the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken, making it slightly mushy. Aim for 1-2 hours for the best texture!
What Should I Serve with Grilled Chicken?
This grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of sides! You can serve it with a fresh salad, pasta salad, or roasted vegetables. It also goes nicely with rice or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Can I Freeze Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze leftover grilled chicken! Make sure to let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently in the microwave or on the grill.
