Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Consistently juicy, perfectly seasoned grilled chicken is a backyard essential—yet many home cooks struggle to avoid dry, overcooked meat. This Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe delivers incredible flavor and tenderness every single time. With a straightforward marinade and simple grilling technique, it’s a reliable main course for summer cookouts, weeknight meals, or family gatherings.

Why This Grilled Chicken Recipe Works, Every Time

The secret to this crowd-pleaser is a simple blend of pantry spices, a quick tangy marinade, and a grilling method that ensures even cooking. You’ll savor every bite of succulent chicken with a beautifully caramelized crust. This flexible recipe adapts to boneless breasts, thighs, or drumsticks—guaranteeing delicious results no matter what you have on hand.

Mixing the Foolproof Marinade

The marinade calls for olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of spices for maximum flavor penetration and tender results. This not only seasons the chicken throughout but also helps lock in moisture during grilling. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor). The result? Flavor-packed, juicy grilled chicken—perfect for salads, sandwiches, or main courses.

Simple Steps for Grilling Success

Whether using a gas or charcoal grill, preheating is key! For perfectly cooked chicken, grill over medium-high heat, turning just once. Cook until the juices run clear and a thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest point. Following these directions takes the guesswork out of grilling, producing evenly cooked, golden-brown chicken every time.

Serving Suggestions for Foolproof Grilled Chicken

Serve slices atop fresh salads, alongside grilled vegetables, or with your favorite summer sides. Enhance presentation with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. This versatile grilled chicken is equally delicious hot off the grill or chilled for next-day lunches and meal prep.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Each serving (skinless, boneless chicken breast) contains approximately 260 calories, 4g fat, and over 40g protein—making it a lean and nutritious main course option.

Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe (Recap)

For a delicious, reliable main course that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests, this Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and juiciness—every single time.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a shopping list with every ingredient organized by grocery store aisle—streamlining your shopping and making meal planning a breeze.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add optional red pepper flakes or lemon zest for extra flavor.
2. Place chicken in the marinade, turning to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
4. Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard used marinade.
5. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Avoid overcooking for best results.
6. Let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe is your secret weapon for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan and unlock instant, organized shopping lists that combine all your planned meals for effortless grocery trips.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically tallies total ingredient amounts for the week
• Sorts shopping lists by store section for quick navigation
• Helps you avoid buying duplicates and missing essentials
• Keeps your meal prep efficient and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning meals with similar ingredients, schedule your recipes so your list accounts for everything—never overbuy or run out halfway through the week!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to overnight marinating)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes active (plus marinating)