Description
Succulent grilled chicken breast delights taste buds with simple Mediterranean-inspired seasonings. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this protein-packed dish promises to satisfy you with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, about 6 oz/170 g each)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Marinate: Submerge chicken breasts in a large resealable bag with all marinade ingredients. Massage thoroughly to ensure complete coverage, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to enhance flavor penetration.
- Grill Preparation: Lightly oil grill grates and preheat to medium-high temperature (375-400°F). Ensure grates are clean and well-seasoned to prevent sticking and promote perfect sear marks.
- Grilling Technique: Remove chicken from marinade, discard excess liquid. Position breasts diagonally on hot grates at 45-degree angle to create elegant crosshatch grill marks. Close lid and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until natural release occurs.
- Flip and Finish: Turn chicken breasts, continuing to cook for additional 5-6 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking while achieving golden-brown exterior and maintaining internal moisture.
- Temperature Verification: Use digital meat thermometer to check internal temperature at thickest section. Confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing complete cooking and eliminating potential foodborne risks.
- Resting Period: Transfer grilled chicken to clean plate, loosely cover with aluminum foil. Allow 3-5 minutes resting time to redistribute internal juices, ensuring maximum tenderness and optimal flavor concentration.
- Serving: Slice chicken against grain if desired, presenting with complementary sides or fresh garnishes for an appetizing final presentation.
Notes
- Maximize Marinating Time: Longer marination (up to 4 hours) intensifies flavor depth and tenderizes chicken more effectively.
- Prevent Sticking: Brush grill grates with oil and heat to medium-high to create a non-stick surface and develop beautiful caramelized grill marks.
- Temperature Precision: Always use a digital meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing both food safety and perfectly cooked chicken.
- Rest and Redistribute: Letting chicken rest 3-5 minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains incredibly moist and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg