Looking for an easy and delicious easy grilled chicken recipe that will impress your friends and family? Look no further! This easy grilled chicken recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes on the grill, you’ll have perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken breasts that are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Easy Grilled Chicken

The secret to this mouth-watering grilled chicken lies in the marinade. By combining extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a blend of Italian seasoning, you’ll create a deliciously tangy and savory flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the smokiness from the grill. Plus, marinating the chicken for a few hours to overnight ensures that each bite is infused with these amazing flavors.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

This grilled chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of pantry staples like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, you can create a marinade that infuses the chicken with a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
Quick and Easy: Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. The prep work is minimal, and the cooking time is short, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu BBQs.
Versatile and Healthy: This grilled chicken pairs well with virtually any side dish, from salads and veggies to rice and potatoes. Plus, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a great choice for anyone watching their diet.
Perfectly Juicy Every Time: Marinating the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender, while the high-heat grilling gives it a beautiful, slightly charred exterior. You’ll get that perfect bite every time.

How to Make

Step 1: Start by prepping your chicken & pound them down if they are very thick. You can cut off any parts that need to be removed.

Step 2: Then work on your marinade, and then place your chicken in the mixture and allow to marinate as directed.

Step 3: Preheat your grill and get it nice and hot. Toss your chicken on and cook as directed!

How Long Do You Grill Chicken

The time for grilling chicken will vary depending on how thick or thin your chicken is. You will aim for 4-5 minutes on one side and flip to the other side.

I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165 degrees. You want to ensure your chicken gets fully cooked.

Probe your chicken in the largest part of the chicken so you get the most accurate reading.

How Do You Grill Chicken Without A Grill

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can still enjoy deliciously “grilled” chicken using alternative cooking methods that mimic the grilling process. Here are some great options to achieve that tasty, char-grilled flavor right in your kitchen:

1. Use a Grill Pan: A grill pan is a fantastic alternative to an outdoor grill. These pans have ridges that create those signature grill marks and allow excess fat to drain away from the meat.

Preheat the Grill Pan: Place your grill pan over medium-high heat and let it get hot.
Prepare the Chicken: Follow the marinade steps from the recipe and then place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill pan.
Cook the Chicken: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Make sure to avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

2. Use an Oven Broiler: Your oven’s broiler can also simulate the high, direct heat of a grill.

Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to the broil setting and let it preheat.
Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. The rack will help air circulate around the chicken, similar to a grill.
Broil the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the wire rack and broil for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.

3. Use a Stovetop Griddle: A stovetop griddle provides a large, flat cooking surface with ridges.

Preheat the Griddle: Place the griddle over medium-high heat and let it get hot.
Prepare the Chicken: Marinate the chicken as directed, then place it on the preheated griddle.
Cook the Chicken: Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Like the grill pan, avoid overcrowding the griddle.

4. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet can also deliver a nice sear and lock in flavors.

Preheat the Skillet: Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Prepare the Chicken: After marinating, place the chicken in the hot skillet.
Cook the Chicken: Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For an added touch, you can finish the chicken in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes.

5. Use a Countertop Grill: If you have a countertop electric grill, such as a George Foreman grill, it’s a convenient option.

Preheat the Grill: Preheat the electric grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill.
Cook the Chicken: Follow the grill’s guidelines for cooking time, typically around 4-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Success:

Ensure Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

With these methods, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful chicken without needing an outdoor grill. Happy cooking!

Do you let chicken rest after grilling

Yes, it is essential to let chicken rest after grilling. Here’s why and how to do it properly:

Why Resting is Important:

Juicier Chicken: Resting allows the juices, which move towards the surface during cooking, to redistribute throughout the meat. This results in juicier and more flavorful chicken.
Easier to Slice: Resting makes the chicken firmer and easier to slice. If you cut into the chicken immediately, the juices will run out, making the meat dry and tough.
Continued Cooking: During the resting period, the chicken will continue to cook slightly due to residual heat. This can help ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level without overcooking.

How to Properly Rest Chicken:

Remove from Heat: Once your chicken reaches the desired internal temperature (165°F), remove it from the grill.
Tent with Foil: Place the chicken on a cutting board or plate and loosely tent it with aluminum foil. This keeps it warm while allowing air to circulate, preventing the chicken from becoming soggy.
Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes. For larger pieces like whole breasts or thighs, aim for the longer end of this range.

Tips for Resting Chicken:

Avoid Tight Wrapping: Don’t wrap the chicken tightly in foil, as this can trap steam and make the exterior less crispy.
Use a Warm Plate: Rest the chicken on a warm plate to help maintain its temperature.

By allowing your grilled chicken to rest, you ensure it remains juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. This simple step can make a significant difference in the quality of your meal.

Tips & Tricks

Pound the Chicken Evenly: To ensure even cooking, place your chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag and pound them to a uniform thickness of about 1/2 inch. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dry, overcooked edges.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While a couple of hours will do the trick, letting your chicken marinate overnight will maximize the flavor. The longer the chicken soaks in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best taste, use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice. These ingredients add a vibrant flavor that really makes a difference.
Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent the chicken from sticking, make sure to lightly oil your grill grates before cooking. You can do this by dipping a paper towel in oil and using tongs to rub it over the grates.
High Heat for a Good Sear: Preheat your grill to high heat before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice sear and helps lock in the juices.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out quickly on the grill. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it hits the right temperature.
Let it Rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Experiment with Sides and Toppings: Grilled chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even sliced over a bed of quinoa or rice. Top with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of extra marinade for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQs

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and often stay juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be opaque and the juices should run clear. If the juices are pink or the meat is still slightly translucent, continue cooking.

Ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before cooking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs to rub the oil over the grates.

For another amazing grill recipe, check out this campfire Queso dip, you will LOVE it!!

Easy Grilled Chicken

Name: Easy Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 Boneless Chicken Breasts; 1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar; 1 TBSP Worcestershire; 2 TBSP Dijon Mustard; 2 TBSP Brown Sugar; 2 TBSP Lemon Juice; 2 TBSP Garlic, minced; Salt & Pepper to taste; 1 TBSP Dried Italian Seasoning

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Whip up this easy grilled chicken for dinner tonight. Juicy, flavorful chicken that is bursting with flavor. Toss this chicken on your grill and serve up.

Ingredients

2 Boneless Chicken Breasts
1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1 TBSP Worcestershire
2 TBSP Dijon Mustard
2 TBSP Brown Sugar
2 TBSP Lemon Juice
2 TBSP Garlic, minced
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 TBSP Dried Italian Seasoning

Instructions

If your chicken breasts are pretty thick, you want to put them in a Ziploc bag and give them a good pounding. You want them to be about 1/2" thick.
Put your marinade ingredients into a Ziploc bag, (you can reuse them one you just used to pound your breasts). Add the olive oil, minced garlic, salt & pepper, lemon zest & dried Italian seasoning into your Ziploc. Seal it and give the bag a good squishing to mix the ingredients.
Add your chicken breasts into the Ziploc bag. Seal the bag. Massage the chicken in the bag, to fully coat with marinade. Marinade anywhere from a couple of hours, to overnight in the fridge. (If using a Ninja Foodi Grill, see the notes section)
Preheat your grill to high heat. Carefully put some oil on your grates.
Place your chicken breasts on to your grill once preheated to a nice high heat. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes. You do not want to over cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Notes

Ninja Foodi Grill directions

4. Insert removable cooking pot. Insert grill grate into your pot.

5. Press grill button, set to MED, set time to 16 minutes. Allow to preheat.

6. Once "Add Food" flashes, add chicken onto grill, close lid.and grill for 8-10 minutes, than flip the meat, closing grill once again. Cook for another 5-7 minutes and check internal temperature to see if has reached 165 degrees.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 585Total Fat: 56gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 46gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 120mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 19g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Easy Grilled Chicken