This Easy Italian Grilled Chicken is packed with flavor and is super simple to make! With just a few ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs, you’ll get juicy chicken every time.
Who doesn’t love a quick dinner option? I whip this up in no time and serve it with some veggies or pasta. It’s a family favorite that makes everyone smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe for their quick cooking time. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs also work well. They may need a bit more cooking time, but they are super juicy!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is a must for marinating as it adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. If you’re out, you can use avocado oil or canola oil as alternatives, though they offer different flavors.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, bottled lemon juice can work, though fresh is always best for flavor. Lime juice could also be a fun twist!
Herbs: I use dried oregano and basil, but if you have fresh herbs, feel free to substitute them! Just use three times the amount of fresh herbs as they are less concentrated.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Turns Out Juicy and Full of Flavor?
The key to juicy grilled chicken is the marinating process! This allows the meat to soak up all those delicious flavors from the marinade. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a resealable bag for marinating. This allows the marinade to coat the chicken evenly.
- Don’t rush the marinating. Aim for at least one hour, but longer is even better if you have the time.
- When grilling, keep the heat at medium-high. This sears the chicken without drying it out.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for a few minutes! This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist when you cut into it.
Easy Italian Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Italian grilled chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (1-2 hours is ideal for more flavor). Then, it’ll take roughly 15 minutes to grill. So, give yourself about an hour total to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful marinade that will soak into the chicken.
2. Marinade the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours, to let those flavors absorb.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). A little light oiling on the grill grates will help prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the grill, discarding the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until you see nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Add Grilled Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of grilling, throw some lemon slices on the grill next to the chicken to char them a bit. This gives a great boost of flavor and makes a lovely garnish!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Serve each chicken breast topped with a grilled lemon slice, and enjoy your meal with your favorite sides like a crisp salad, grilled veggies, or pasta!
Buon Appetito!
FAQ for Easy Italian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it’s completely thawed before marinating. A quick way to thaw is to place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you marinate it overnight, the flavors will be even more pronounced, but avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours, as the chicken can become mushy from the acid in the lemon juice.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re out of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil. Both will work well in terms of flavor and will keep the chicken moist while grilling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, being careful not to overcook the chicken again, which can dry it out.
