Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that resembles shoe leather? Prepare to revolutionize your grilling game with this foolproof Basic Grilled Chicken Breast recipe that guarantees mouth-watering, tender results every time! Whether you're a weekend warrior at the grill or a cooking novice, this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe will transform your culinary skills and impress everyone at your dinner table. Get ready to discover the ultimate technique that will make your chicken breasts so juicy and flavorful, they'll become the star of every meal!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better grill marks and seasoning adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Brush or rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F), cleaning and oiling grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill at a 45-degree angle to create professional crosshatch grill marks.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing proper sear and caramelization.
- Flip chicken breasts using tongs and cook an additional 5-7 minutes on the second side.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F at the thickest part for food safety.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest on a clean plate for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Slice chicken against the grain and serve with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken sit at room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent tough meat.
- Moisture is the Enemy: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve those beautiful, crispy grill marks.
- Seasoning Secrets: Create a uniform seasoning blend and apply it generously to both sides of the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Grill Like a Pro: Use the 45-degree angle technique to create professional crosshatch grill marks that look as good as they taste.
- Never Guess Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Rest is Best: Allow your grilled chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking to lock in those precious juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Bonus Tip: Invest in high-quality, even-sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking results every single time!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
