Hey friend! Are you ready to take your grilling game to the next level? Imagine the smoky, savory aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill—sounds amazing, right? Trust me, this marinated grilled chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend cookout, a cozy dinner, or just need a go-to meal that everyone will love, this one ticks all the boxes. The best part? It’s super simple, so you can enjoy all the bold, flavorful goodness without any of the fuss. Let’s dive in!
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Why You’ll Love Marinated Grilled Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this marinated grilled chicken. Trust me, these ingredients work together like a dream:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this recipe. They grill up perfectly tender and juicy, absorbing all the amazing flavors from the marinade.
- Olive Oil: A little healthy fat to help the chicken stay moist and flavorful while grilling.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of savory goodness. It’s one of those ingredients that really elevates the dish.
- Lemon Juice: A little acidity from the lemon brightens everything up and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Soy Sauce: Adds that salty umami that makes every bite irresistible.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness balances out the savory and tangy flavors.
- Dried Herbs: Your choice of herbs—think thyme, oregano, or rosemary—adds aromatic depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning the chicken to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare Your Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. This will be the flavor-packed bath your chicken will soak in for the next hour or so.
Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all nicely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—up to overnight if you have the time to let the flavors really sink in.
Preheat the Grill: While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on the stovetop.
Grill the Chicken: Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You’ll know it’s done when it’s nice and charred on the outside and tender on the inside.
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the chicken stays moist.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your marinated grilled chicken with your favorite sides—think roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or some crispy fries. Enjoy every juicy, tender bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Marinated Grilled Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute soy sauce with a different ingredient?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and grill it just before serving for maximum flavor.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or stovetop to keep the chicken juicy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Place the grilled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on the grill for a few minutes or in the microwave. Just be sure not to overcook it.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd, doubling the recipe is a great idea. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Q7: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A7: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade, and they’ll turn out just as juicy and flavorful.
Q8: Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of grilling?
A8: Absolutely! You can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.
Q9: Can I use store-bought marinade?
A9: Sure! While the homemade marinade adds a personal touch, store-bought marinade can be a convenient substitute.
Q10: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A10: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
Conclusion
There you have it! Marinated grilled chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and totally customizable to suit your taste buds. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or cooking inside, this dish will quickly become a favorite. I promise you, it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together—one bite, and they’ll be asking for the recipe. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Marinated Grilled Chicken
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Marinated Grilled Chicken is juicy and full of flavor, thanks to a savory marinade made with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning. It’s perfect for grilling and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4–8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 large cloves of garlic, smashed
- 1/3 cup oil (canola, vegetable, or olive)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 package Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
Instructions
- Trim fat from chicken breasts. Optionally, butterfly thick breasts to ensure even cooking.
- Place chicken in a large zipper seal bag and add sliced onion, smashed garlic, oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and the Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix.
- Seal the bag tightly, removing excess air. Gently squeeze the contents to mix and coat the chicken evenly.
- Place the bag in a bowl or on a plate (to catch any leaks) and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your grill. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 10-20 minutes, depending on grill temperature, until cooked through.
- Optional: Sauté the onions and garlic from the marinade until caramelized for a flavorful topping.
Notes
- For best results, marinate overnight to let the flavors infuse the chicken.
- Feel free to adjust the type of oil or vinegar based on your preference.
- Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg