Description
Juicy, smoky grilled chicken recipes with easy marinades, bold seasonings, and simple serving ideas for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon hot honey, harissa paste, or tamarind paste for variation
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken in a bowl or shallow dish.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning generously into the chicken so it sticks well.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill.
- Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
- Remove the chicken from the grill.
- Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with lemon wedges, grilled vegetables, salad, flatbread, or your favorite side.
Notes
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling so they cook evenly. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy with bold marinades like hot honey, harissa, or tamarind.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg