This Easy Italian Grilled Chicken is a tasty dish that’s simple to make! With flavorful herbs, juicy chicken, and a nice grill char, it’s a real winner for dinner.
What’s great is how quick it comes together! I like to pair it with a fresh salad or some pasta. Perfect for busy nights or weekend barbecues—fun and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: For juiciness, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken thighs, which stay moist and have a richer flavor. They may take slightly longer to cook.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds depth and helps the marinade stick. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted butter can be good substitutes, offering a similar richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish its bold flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be an alternative (1 teaspoon powder for every clove, just adjust to taste).
Italian Seasoning: A key mix of herbs, but if you don’t have it, you can easily make your own with equal parts dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Lemon: While fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just remember to start with less and adjust to taste, as bottled juice can be more concentrated.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken not only infuses it with flavor but also helps keep it tender. For this recipe, marination is key! Follow these simple steps:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a bag or dish, pour over marinade, and coat well.
- Let it rest for at least 30 minutes—2 hours is even better! Keep in the fridge to ensure freshness.
Don’t rush this step. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes. However, avoid marinating too long (over 24 hours) as the acid can break down the meat too much!
Easy Italian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 lemon, sliced for grilling and garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate (up to 2 hours is best). The grilling process will only take about 15 minutes. So, overall, plan for a total of about 1 hour (including marinating time) to make this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined into a nice marinade.
2. Marinate Your Chicken:
Put the chicken breasts into a large resealable 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 place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you those nice grill marks and keep the chicken juicy!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on the hot grill. You can also add the lemon slices on the grill for a few minutes to get some nice char and enhance their flavor.
5. Cook Until Done:
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) for it to be safe to eat. During the last few minutes, you can place grilled lemon slices on top of the chicken for added flavor.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken and grilled lemon slices from the grill. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes—this helps keep it juicy! Then, serve the grilled chicken topped with the charred lemon slices. Enjoy the fresh Italian flavors!
This Easy Italian Grilled Chicken recipe will make your taste buds happy with its tenderness and vibrant lemony flavors. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Italian Grilled Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw it before marinating. The best way to thaw is by leaving it in the fridge overnight or submerging the sealed bag in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid from the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken, resulting in a mushy texture.
What Can I Serve with This Grilled Chicken?
This Italian grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or over a bed of pasta or rice. You can also add a side of garlic bread to complete the meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop to avoid drying it out.
