Tired of dry, bland, and disappointing grilled chicken? You’ve come to the right place. This foolproof grilled chicken recipe delivers incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful results every single time. Forget complicated ingredients or techniques; all you need is a simple, powerful marinade and our step-by-step guide to grilling perfection.
We’ve tested countless methods, and this is the one we come back to again and again. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner, impressive enough for a weekend BBQ, and versatile enough for all your meal prep needs. Get ready to master the art of grilling chicken.
Why This is the Best Grilled Chicken Recipe
There are thousands of grilled chicken recipes out there, but this one truly stands out. Here’s why it works so well and will become your new go-to:
Unbelievably Juicy: Our technique and marinade lock in moisture, guaranteeing your chicken breast stays tender and never dry.
Simple 5-Ingredient Marinade: It doesn’t get easier than this. These pantry staples combine to create a savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that penetrates the chicken quickly.
Foolproof Method: We provide exact temperatures and times, taking all the guesswork out of grilling. We even include tips for using a meat thermometer for perfect results.
Incredibly Versatile: This chicken is delicious on its own, sliced over salads, tucked into sandwiches, or used in delicious chicken fajitas (coming soon).
The 5-Ingredient Marinade That Does It All
The secret to incredible grilled chicken is a great marinade. This simple mixture does three crucial things: it tenderizes the meat, adds a massive amount of flavor, and helps create beautiful grill marks thanks to the touch of sugar.
All you need are a few pantry staples for this flavorful marinade.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our recipe. We’ll show you how to prep them for even cooking. You can also use this marinade for a great grilled chicken thigh recipe.
Olive Oil: Creates the base of the marinade, helps prevent sticking, and ensures the chicken stays moist.
Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Provides a deep, savory, umami flavor and color. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Lemon Juice: The acidity tenderizes the chicken and adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
Minced Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that is essential for a savory flavor.
Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and saltiness while helping the chicken caramelize on the grill for those perfect grill marks.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
The Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipe
FL Recipes
Grilled Chicken Recipe (The Only One You’ll Ever Need)
This foolproof grilled chicken recipe delivers incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful results every time, thanks to a simple 5-ingredient marinade and a perfect grilling technique.
Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even 3/4-inch thickness. In a medium bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F or 200-230°C). Clean and oil the grates. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping only once.
The chicken is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 315kcalProtein: 38gFat: 15g
Notes
Pounding the Chicken: Don't skip this step! It's the key to even cooking and juicy results. Resting is Required: Letting the chicken rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist. Don't Over-Marinate: The acid in the lemon juice can negatively affect the texture of the chicken if left for more than 4 hours.
Making this grilled chicken recipe is a simple two-part process: marinate, then grill. Following these steps closely will ensure success.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
First, prepare the chicken. For the most even cooking, it’s essential that the chicken breasts are a uniform thickness. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the thicker end until it’s about 3/4-inch thick, matching the thinner end.
Next, in a medium bowl or a large zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade and turn to coat them completely. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours. The acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the meat texture if left too long.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Clean the grates well and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side. The key is to avoid moving the chicken too much to develop those beautiful grill marks. Flip only once. The chicken is done when it’s opaque all the way through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.
Step 3: The Most Important Step – Rest!
This is non-negotiable for juicy chicken! Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. Slicing too early will cause all those delicious juices to run out onto your cutting board.
Grilling Time & Temperature Guide
The exact cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chicken. Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy. Aim for a final internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Chicken Breast Thickness
Grill Temperature
Approx. Grilling Time (per side)
1/2 inch
Medium-High (425°F)
4-5 minutes
3/4 inch
Medium-High (425°F)
5-7 minutes
1 inch
Medium-High (425°F)
7-9 minutes
Tips for the Juiciest Grilled Chicken Ever
Say goodbye to dry chicken forever with these simple but effective tips.
Pound it Out: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is the #1 secret to even cooking. No more dry, overcooked thin parts while you wait for the thick part to cook through.
Don’t Over-Marinate: With acidic marinades (containing citrus or vinegar), 30 minutes is enough to add flavor. Marinating for too long (over 4 hours) can make the texture of the chicken mealy.
Use a Thermometer: The single best way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken is with an instant-read meat thermometer. It removes all the guesswork.
Let It Rest: As mentioned, resting the chicken is crucial. Don’t skip this 5-10 minute wait!
No Outdoor Grill? Use a Grill Pan!
You can still achieve a fantastic result indoors. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ll still get great sear marks and delicious flavor.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken
This versatile grilled chicken pairs well with almost anything. Some of our favorites include a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or a creamy potato salad. It’s also the perfect protein for a healthy and satisfying creamy chicken salad.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze the grilled chicken for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
For food safety and perfect results, grilled chicken breast should be cooked to a final internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to check for doneness.
For this recipe, which contains acidic lemon juice, you should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavor, but no more than 4 hours. Marinating for too long can negatively affect the texture of the meat.
There are three keys to juicy grilled chicken: 1) Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking. 2) Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—pull it off the grill right at 165°F. 3) Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Absolutely! Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ll get a very similar result with great flavor and grill marks.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and popular choice, and our recipe is optimized for them. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also excellent for grilling as their higher fat content makes them naturally more juicy and forgiving.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved this simple and delicious grilled chicken recipe, you’re sure to enjoy our classic oven-baked chicken breast. We hope this recipe becomes a new staple in your kitchen. If you make it, please leave a comment below and share your creation with us on Pinterest!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
