This Grilled Chicken Recipe is the kind of simple, flavorful weeknight dinner that never fails. Tender, juicy chicken infused with smoky grill flavor and a well-balanced marinade—this is the recipe readers love when they want something reliable, delicious, and easy to customize. Whether you're grilling outdoors on a sunny day or using an indoor grill pan, this recipe delivers dependable results every time. It's perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or backyard gatherings where you need a crowd-pleasing classic.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
- Cook Time: 12–16 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 grilled chicken breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Pro Tip: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent grilling and juicier results.
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and onion powder. - Marinate the Chicken:
Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating evenly.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor allow up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating overnight—lemon juice can begin breaking down the protein too much. - Preheat the Grill:
Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F).
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. - Grill the Chicken:
Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess.
Grill 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. - Rest & Serve:
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
Best Practice: Avoid pressing down on the chicken with a spatula—this forces out natural juices and leads to dryness.
Serving Ideas: Slice over salads, serve with rice or grilled vegetables, or pair with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 440mg
Pro Tip:
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Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken Recipe is a dependable go-to for anyone who wants juicy, flavorful, and versatile grilled chicken. With a quick marinade and simple steps, you can elevate everyday chicken into a delicious dish that works for weeknight meals, meal prep, or backyard cookouts. Feel free to customize the seasonings or pair it with your favorite sauces—the clean, savory flavor makes it easy to adapt to nearly any cuisine. Enjoy every smoky, tender bite!
