Quick Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe Easy Perfect Weeknight Dinner
A quick and easy grilled chicken breasts recipe that delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt preferred)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano until smooth. (5 minutes)
- Marinate the Chicken: Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a large zip-top bag or shallow baking dish. Pour marinade over chicken, coat evenly, seal or cover, and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes. (15-20 minutes)
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Clean and lightly oil grates. (5-10 minutes)
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off. Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on first side without moving, then flip and grill another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (10-12 minutes)
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer chicken to plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. (5 minutes)
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice against the grain and serve with favorite sides.
Notes
Do not marinate chicken longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; aim for 165°F internal temperature. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Pound uneven chicken breasts to about ¾ inch thickness for even cooking. Optional: add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. Oven-bake option: bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil for charred edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (ab
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 40
Keywords: grilled chicken breasts, quick dinner, juicy chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken, gluten-free chicken