Description
This grilled chicken breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Perfectly charred and flavorful, it’s a quick and healthy main course ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well blended.
- Flatten Chicken: Place the chicken breasts inside a zip-top plastic bag and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they reach an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for uniform cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: Pour the marinade into the bag with the chicken. Seal the bag securely and place it in a baking dish to catch any leaks. Turn the bag to coat all chicken pieces evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
- Preheat Grill: Clean and oil the grates of a gas or charcoal grill, or use an indoor grill pan. Heat the grill to medium-high, between 375 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover liquid. Grill the chicken breasts for 5 to 8 minutes per side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For optimal grill marks and juiciness, start cooking on the hotter section of the grill, then move to a cooler area to finish cooking evenly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and maximize flavor.
Notes
- Serve the grilled chicken immediately or refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days to use in lunches, salads, pasta dishes, or sandwiches.
- Do not consume leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid foodborne illness.
- For thicker chicken breasts, increase grilling time slightly to ensure thorough cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 ounces)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
