Easy Grilled Chicken for Beginners

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this simple and delightful Lemon-Garlic Grilled Chicken recipe. Perfectly juicy and bursting with savory goodness, this dish is a must-try for beginners and seasoned grill masters alike. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, tangy lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a hint of smoky paprika. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick marinade, you'll be savoring the succulent flavors and irresistible charred edges of this grilled chicken in no time. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a fuss-free weeknight dinner, this crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Fire up the grill and prepare to enjoy a mouthwatering culinary adventure with this Lemon-Garlic Grilled Chicken!

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly on the grill and prevents overcooking.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it for up to 4 hours for more flavor.

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a gas grill, preheat it for about 10 minutes. If you're using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with ash and glowing red.

Oil the Grill Grates: Before placing the chicken on the grill, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can dip a folded paper towel in some oil and use tongs to rub it over the grates.

Grill the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken out of the bag, letting any excess marinade drip off, and place it on the hot grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice the grilled chicken and serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or some rice. You can also drizzle any leftover marinade over the chicken for extra flavor.

This simple grilled chicken recipe is perfect for beginners and delivers a delicious and flavorful meal that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your tasty grilled chicken!

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 2 servings):

• Calories: ~300-350 kcal
• Protein: ~30-35g
• Total Fat: ~18-20g
  • Saturated Fat: ~3-4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~14-16g
• Carbohydrates: ~2-4g
  • Fiber: ~0.5g
  • Sugars: ~0.5g
• Cholesterol: ~85-90mg
• Sodium: ~550-600mg

Keep in mind that the nutrition values can change based on the size of the chicken breasts, the amount of marinade absorbed, and any additional sides or ingredients served with the dish. If you need precise and detailed nutritional information, I recommend using a reliable recipe calculator or consulting a registered dietitian.

As a general tip, grilling chicken without the skin and using minimal oil in the marinade can help reduce the overall calorie and fat content. Also, pairing the grilled chicken with plenty of fresh vegetables or a healthy side can make it a well-balanced and nutritious meal.