Description
This grilled marinated chicken breast recipe features tender, flavorful chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, and seasoning, then quickly grilled to perfection. Perfect for a healthy and delicious main dish with a juicy, charred exterior and a bright, herbaceous marinade.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken:
- 1 3/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade:
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest (from one lemon)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: One at a time, place the chicken breasts in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag; using a meat mallet, pound each breast to an even thickness of ½ inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a 1-gallon zip-lock bag (you can reuse the one from pounding if intact), combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Add the flattened chicken breasts to the bag and massage the marinade thoroughly into the meat until evenly coated. Seal the bag tightly and place it inside a bowl to prevent leaks. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
- Preheat Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook covered for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Monitor carefully to avoid overcooking and maintain juiciness.
- Serve: Once cooked through with nice grill marks and a juicy interior, transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- The marinade includes all ingredients listed, so nutritional values per serving include the olive oil and seasonings.
- Do not overcook the chicken breasts; they should remain juicy with a slight char.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness significantly.
- If you do not have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler as alternatives.
- The chicken is best served fresh off the grill for optimal taste.
