Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Herb and Orange Grilled Chicken recipe! Imagine tender, succulent chicken breasts infused with vibrant citrus and aromatic herbs, grilled to perfection with a tantalizing golden-brown exterior that promises an explosion of flavor in every single bite. Whether you're a grilling novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe will elevate your cooking game and impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are uneven in thickness, you may want to pound them gently with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. This will help the chicken cook through without drying out.
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Whisk the mixture together until well combined. This marinade will infuse the chicken with flavor and moisture.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and glowing. For a gas grill, allow it to heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side without moving them. This will create beautiful grill marks and help the chicken develop a nice crust.
- After 5-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and continue to grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice the grilled chicken and serve it warm. You can garnish it with additional fresh herbs or orange slices for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Herb and Orange Grilled Chicken!
Tips
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Don't rush the marinating process - letting the chicken sit in the citrusy herb marinade for up to 2 hours maximizes flavor absorption.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; 165°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum moisture and tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley to create a more complex herb profile.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe works beautifully with a grill pan or even oven roasting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 185kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
