Description
Savory Mediterranean-style grilled boneless skinless chicken breasts showcase herbal marinades and perfect char marks. Succulent protein paired with fresh sides creates a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 lbs (680 to 907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups (960 ml) cool water
- 33 g (¼ cup) salt (Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 2 tbsps Morton kosher salt, or 1.5 tbsps fine sea salt)
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for the grill)
- 1.5 tsps paprika
Instructions
- Brining Preparation: Immerse chicken breasts in saltwater solution, refrigerating for 30-45 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor absorption.
- Grill Configuration: Establish dual-zone heating with high-direct and low-indirect temperature areas. For indoor preparation, heat cast-iron grill pan to 375-400°F.
- Chicken Preparation: Remove chicken from brine, meticulously dry with paper towels. Coat thoroughly with extra virgin olive oil to ensure uniform browning and prevent surface sticking.
- Seasoning Application: Dust chicken with sweet paprika, creating a delicate flavor profile and encouraging caramelized exterior development during cooking process.
- Surface Preparation: Lightly grease grill grates or pan surface with cooking spray to minimize potential chicken adhesion.
- Initial Grilling Stage: Position chicken on hottest grill section, cooking undisturbed to develop distinctive crosshatch marks. After 3-4 minutes, rotate 45 degrees to create professional diagonal patterns.
- Heat Management: Flip chicken, immediately transferring to cooler indirect heat zone. Cover grill or pan, continuing cooking until internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and succulent results.
- Resting Period: Remove from heat, allowing 5-7 minutes for juice redistribution, ensuring maximum tenderness and optimal flavor before serving.
Notes
- Optimize Moisture: Brining chicken in saltwater for 30-45 minutes dramatically increases tenderness and prevents dry, tough meat.
- Control Grill Temperature: Create dual-zone heating to manage precise cooking, preventing burning while ensuring even, juicy results.
- Master Grill Technique: Rotate chicken 45 degrees during initial searing to develop professional crosshatch marks and enhance caramelized exterior.
- Rest and Redistribute: Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking, enabling internal juices to settle and guaranteeing maximum succulence.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg