Easy Grilled Chicken Breasts – on a budget

Grilled Chicken Breast is a quick meal that features tender, juicy chicken in a flavorful marinade.

It is prepared particularly quickly and is perfect for enjoying on its own, as an addition to pasta or even on a salad!

Thanks to a quick and aromatic marinade and an even shorter grilling time, this dish is on the table in no time!

Cooked and presented, lightly grilled chicken breast

How to make marinade for grilled chicken breasts

Allow the chicken breasts to marinate briefly before grilling. A marinade adds flavor and can help tenderize grilled chicken.

  • oil: Oil is the basis of these marinades, it helps spread flavors and prevents sticking.
  • acid: This breaks down tough proteins and makes the meat more tender. (vinegar/lemon juice).
  • Sugar: Adds flavor and promotes caramelization. (honey/brown sugar).
  • Spices: Spices determine the flavor profile. I use a little Italian seasoning but add your favorite herbs and spices.

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. The purpose of the marinade is not only to add flavor, but also to help tenderize the meat, so it will take some time to work its magic.

Chicken can be marinated for up to 4 hours. Marinating longer than 4 hours can change the texture of the chicken and make it mushy.

Marinated grilled chicken with corn and zucchini noodles

How to make grilled chicken breasts

We always have oven-baked chicken breasts on the table in winter, but when the weather warms up, our table is filled with recipes from the grill or BBQ! It is very easy to prepare:

  1. pound chicken: Pound chicken to 1/2 inch thick with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
  2. Marinate: Prepare the marinade (according to the recipe below) and allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high and cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side.

Higher heat binds the juices and provides a nice sear while keeping the chicken breasts nice and moist.

Marinated grilled chicken on a plate with zoodles and corn

How long to grill chicken breasts?

How long chicken breasts should be grilled can vary slightly depending on the heat of the grill and the thickness of the chicken breasts.

After the chicken is marinated, it’s time for the grill. Place the breasts on the grill and let them cook on one side for about 7-8 minutes. No peeking or lifting required, leaving the beautiful grill marks!

Flip the chicken and let it cook for an additional 7-8 minutes or until it reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast on a meat thermometer.

Boneless chicken breasts are very lean and can easily become dry. Therefore, be careful not to overcook (only cook at an internal temperature of 165°F). The chicken rises a few degrees when it rests, so I usually take it off the grill a few degrees earlier.

Easy grilled chicken breast

It’s important to let the chicken rest for about 3-5 minutes before slicing to ensure it stays juicy (just enough time to fill your plate and get to the table). Serve with your favorite side dishes and best on a patio with a large pitcher of Easy White Sangria!

Our favorite grilled vegetables

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Grilled chicken breast on a plate

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Easy grilled chicken breast

Tender marinated chicken breasts, juicy and grilled to perfection!

preparation time 10 protocol

cooking time 15 protocol

total time 25 protocol

author Holly Nilsson

Instant read thermometer on white background
  • Mix all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl or freezer bag. Add chicken and mix well.

  • Marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before cooking the chicken.

  • Preheat the grill to medium heat.

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain the excess. Discard the remaining marinade.

  • Place the chicken on the grill for 7-8 minutes. Flip and cook until no longer pink and chicken reaches 165°F, 7-8 minutes more.

  • Leave to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.

This marinade can also be used for pork or chicken thighs.
The nutritional information includes half of the marinade (since the rest is discarded).
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Calories: 238 | Carbohydrates: 2G | Protein: 24G | Fat: 14G | Saturated Fatty Acids: 1G | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 618mg | Potassium: 441mg | Sugar: 1G | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on cooking method and brand of ingredients used.

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Kitchen American
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