Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This one-dish grilled chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss. With juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and savory herbs all cooked together, you’ll have a complete meal ready in no time. Plus, the minimal cleanup will make this dish a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Steps
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to create a marinade. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a bowl or a resealable bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your outdoor grill or a grill pan on medium heat. Once heated, place the marinated chicken on the grill in a single layer, cooking for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, slice the chicken, and serve.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1878kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 180g | Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 552mg | Sodium: 4542mg | Potassium: 3492mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 16.2mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 10.8mg
FAQ
- How long should chicken breasts be grilled?
- Chicken breasts typically need to be grilled for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side. The total cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts. Medium-sized (4-ounce) breasts generally take 10-12 minutes, while larger breasts (6-8 ounces) may require up to 20 minutes or more.
- How can you tell if grilled chicken is fully cooked?
- The surest way to determine if your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; it should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.
- How long will grilled chicken breast last in the refrigerator?
- Grilled chicken breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal preparation.
- Can the marinade be prepared in advance?
- Yes, the marinade can be prepared up to a day before you plan to use it, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully before soaking the chicken.
- What are some variations for grilled chicken marinades?
- You can customize your grilled chicken by adding ingredients like crushed red pepper for a spicy kick, a blend of herbs for an herb lover’s twist, or use a fajita or jerk marinade for a different flavor profile.
Tips
- Opt for chicken breasts that are uniform in size and shape to ensure even cooking and avoid overly thick pieces as they require longer cooking times.
- Prepare the marinade up to a day ahead of time for convenience and enhanced flavor infusion.
- Utilize medium heat while grilling to prevent the exterior from charring before the inside is fully cooked.
- Consider making extra grilled chicken to use in salads, pasta, or pizza for easy, flavorful meals later.
Equipment
- Meat Thermometer – Essential for ensuring that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature (at least 165 degrees F).
- Grill Pan – If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan can be used to cook the chicken indoors.
