Name: Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 6- to 8-oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped); 2 Tbsp. brown sugar; 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp. dried rosemary; 1 tsp. dried thyme; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Fresh parsley (chopped, for serving)

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Grilled chicken breast is the epitome of simplicity and flavor, making it a go-to recipe for quick weeknight meals or a polished main course for guests. The succulent chicken, marinated in a blend of balsamic vinegar, herbs, and brown sugar, offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to execute while yielding restaurant-quality results. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that will impress with both taste and presentation.

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Ingredients and Preparation

To master this grilled chicken recipe, start with high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fresh garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, rosemary, thyme, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar create a flavorful marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Season with salt, pepper, and finish with fresh parsley. Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor. Grill over medium-high heat, basting with the marinade to keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking grilled chicken to perfection requires attention to detail, but it’s a straightforward process when you follow these steps.

Prepping the Grill
Before you start cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F. A well-preheated grill ensures the chicken sears properly, locking in juices and creating that signature charred exterior. For a gas grill, let it heat for about 5 minutes; for a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing and ash-covered. If using a grill pan, brush it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Grilling the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Grill for about 6 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through to achieve even cooking. During grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to keep it moist and add layers of flavor. Watch carefully to prevent burning, but don’t be afraid of a little char—it adds depth to the taste.

Checking for Doneness
To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. For those without a thermometer, the chicken should be firm to the touch with clear juices running from the thickest part. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the meat.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Marinade Magic:
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion. Use a zip-lock bag for easy marinating and even coating.

Adjusting Seasonings:
Tailor the marinade to your taste by adding chili flakes for heat or substituting dried herbs with fresh ones for a more vibrant flavor.

Alternative Cooking Methods:
No grill? No problem. This recipe can easily be adapted for oven grilling or pan-searing with equally delicious results.

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?:
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts will work well but require a longer cooking time. Adjust grilling time to about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.

How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?:
Marinate for a minimum of 20 minutes, but for best results, leave it in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I Freeze the Marinated Chicken?:
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Simply place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Grilled chicken breast is versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes, sauces, and grains.

Perfect Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve the grilled chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like carrots and asparagus, or a refreshing garden salad. These sides balance the richness of the chicken and add variety to the plate.

Sauce and Dips
Enhance the flavor of your grilled chicken with a selection of sauces. Garlic aioli adds a creamy texture, honey mustard offers a sweet and tangy contrast, and a fresh chimichurri sauce brings vibrant, herby notes to complement the smokiness of the chicken.

Bread and Grains
Pair the chicken with fluffy couscous, nutty quinoa, or serve it atop a bed of wild rice for a hearty meal. A warm slice of garlic bread on the side adds a comforting touch, perfect for soaking up any leftover marinade.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Experiment with different flavors to keep things exciting.

Herb and Citrus Twist
For a refreshing twist, add lemon zest or a squeeze of orange juice to the marinade. The citrus brightens up the flavors and works beautifully with the balsamic vinegar.

Spicy Kick
If you prefer a little heat, add chili powder or smoked paprika to the marinade. The smokiness of paprika pairs perfectly with the char from the grill, while chili adds a gentle spice that won’t overpower the dish.

Honey and Mustard Glaze
For a sweeter finish, brush the chicken with a mixture of honey and mustard during the last few minutes of grilling. The honey caramelizes, creating a glossy, slightly sweet glaze that contrasts nicely with the tangy balsamic.

Storing and Reheating
Grilled chicken makes for great leftovers, and proper storage ensures it stays fresh.

Proper Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in individual portions, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to reheat later for quick meals.

Reheating Tips
To reheat grilled chicken without losing its juiciness, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on low heat, covered with a damp paper towel, to prevent it from drying out. For a quicker method, reheat it in a skillet with a bit of olive oil to restore some of the original crispness.

Grilled chicken breast is a classic, and this recipe is designed to make it approachable for anyone looking to cook a flavorful and tender dish. Whether served on its own or accompanied by your favorite sides, this meal is sure to please. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again—experimenting with different marinades, sides, and sauces for a personalized touch each time.

Ingredients

4 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, rosemary, and thyme. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend the flavors. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture in a smaller bowl for basting later. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the remaining marinade, tossing them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it for a more extended period, up to overnight, to deepen the flavors.

When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Grill the marinated chicken breasts, turning them halfway through, and basting with the reserved marinade to keep them juicy and flavorful. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which should take about 6 minutes per side.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.