Easy 5 Grilled Chicken Breasts

These juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts are my absolute go-to for busy weeknights, and trust me, they come out perfectly tender and flavorful every time! With just a handful of pantry staples and my foolproof marinade, you’ll never have to worry about dry chicken again. This simple method creates moist chicken with beautiful char marks, and it only takes 30 minutes of marinating time, making this perfect for those last-minute dinner plans when you still want something delicious and impressive.

Why You’ll Love Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast

The Dinner That Saves the Day: I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved dinner at my house! The chicken comes out so incredibly juicy that my kids actually ask for seconds (and if you have picky eaters, you know that’s amazing!).

It’s Simple and Delicious: You’ll love that it only takes about 20 minutes of actual grilling time, and the marinade is so simple you probably have everything in your pantry right now.

Perfect for Meal Prep: These chicken breasts are perfect for meal prep – I always make extra because they’re amazing in salads and sandwiches the next day!

What’s in this Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe?

My favorite part about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are! Here’s what you’ll need for the most flavorful grilled chicken:

The Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: If you’re like me, I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I always look for pieces that are about 6-8 ounces each because they cook so evenly and soak up the marinade.
• Olive Oil: I always use extra virgin olive oil because it helps create that gorgeous golden crust I’m obsessed with, plus it keeps all those amazing seasonings stick to the chicken. It’s seriously like liquid gold in this recipe!
• Spices: I use a blend of Kosher salt, chili powder, cumin, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder that really makes this marinade sing. When these spices hit that hot grill, the smell is absolutely incredible – my neighbors always ask what I’m cooking!
• Lemon Juice: Adds amazing brightness that wakes up all the other flavors. One medium lemon will give you plenty of juice, and the difference is worth the extra minute of squeezing!

Seasoning Chicken Breast on the Grill

Let me tell you about my chicken seasoning method that I’ve perfected over countless summer cookouts! But you can easily switch out the spices & herbs to adjust to your taste. First, I always pat my chicken breasts dry – this is absolutely crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown exterior. Then, I whisk together my marinade ingredients until they’re well combined. The key is letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours.

How To Make Grilled Chicken Breasts

Grilling chicken breasts is easier than you think and a great way to enjoy a tasty, healthy meal! All you need are a few simple techniques to get started.

• Prepare the Chicken: Grab some paper towels and dry those chicken breasts because this is the secret to getting that gorgeous golden exterior we’re after. If your chicken breasts are looking a bit uneven, pop them between plastic wrap and use a kitchen mallet to give them a gentle pounding until they’re evenly flattened to about 1 inch thick.
• Marinate the Chicken: I love making this marinade because it fills my kitchen with the most amazing aroma, and I know dinner’s going to be fantastic. In a mixing bowl, whisk together your olive oil, that fresh lemon juice, your minced garlic, and all those seasonings mix. Let the chicken soak in the mixture, put it in the refrigerator and wait for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat Your Grill: This is where all your prep work pays off, and you’ll love how simple my foolproof grilling method can be. When you’re ready to eat, get your grill nice and hot (375-450°F). While it’s heating up, I always take the chicken out of the fridge about 15 minutes before grilling – this little trick helps it cook more evenly. Once your grill is ready, place those marinated breasts at a 45-degree angle. Give them a good 5-7 minutes per side…, then just one flip until they reach that perfect 165°F internal temperature.
• Rest and Serve: Transfer your grilled chicken to a clean plate and tent it loosely with foil – this is crucial for keeping all those amazing juices inside! Give it a good 5-10 minutes to rest. I usually use this time to get my sides ready and set the table. When you finally slice into these chicken breasts, they’ll be so incredibly juicy and tender that your family will think you’ve been taking secret cooking classes!

How to Store and Reheat

These grilled chicken breasts stay really juicy, even as leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer to slice the chicken first, then reheat it in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth – this keeps it from drying out. For a quick option, microwave in 30-second intervals, covered with a damp paper towel.

How to Freeze

Let them cool completely, then wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to use them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Breast

These juicy grilled chicken breasts are famously versatile, and I’m excited to share my family’s favorite side dish options! I love how they can be dressed up or down depending on what you serve alongside them. Here are some of my absolute go-to side dishes that always get rave reviews:

Fresh and Light Sides:

• My 10-minute grilled asparagus is perfect when you’ve already got the grill fired up! Just brush with olive oil, add a pinch of salt and garlic powder, and grill until tender-crisp.
• A bright Mediterranean salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese adds such amazing fresh flavors (and it takes just minutes to throw together!).
• Grilled zucchini and summer squash are amazing here – the flavors complement the chicken perfectly.

Hearty Options:

• We absolutely love serving this chicken over creamy mashed potatoes – they soak up all those delicious juices!
• My garlic parmesan roasted baby potatoes are always a huge hit (seriously, my kids fight over the crispy bits).
• A side of buttery rice pilaf makes this feel like a restaurant-quality meal.

Quick Starch Sides:

• Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up those amazing chicken juices.
• A simple pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs takes this dinner to the next level.
• Quinoa cooked in chicken broth adds extra protein and a wonderful texture.

Don’t forget, these chicken breasts are also amazing sliced up and served on:

• Fresh salad greens for a healthy lunch
• Warm flatbread with tzatziki sauce
• Sandwich rolls with your favorite toppings
• Rice bowls with roasted veggies

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Easy Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
• Easy Baked chicken cutlets
• Easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites