Here’s an easy recipe for Garlic Italian Grilled Chicken that will become your go-to grilling recipe!
Garlic Italian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
For the Marinade:
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1/4 cup olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
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2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
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1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
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In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Mix well to combine.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Taste the marinade and adjust as needed—if you prefer more tang, add a little extra lemon juice or vinegar. For a deeper flavor, you can also add a pinch more Italian seasoning or garlic.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
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Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow bowl.
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Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
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Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
3. Preheat the Grill:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C).
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If you’re using a gas grill, make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
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If you’re grilling on a charcoal grill, allow the coals to reach a medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Chicken:
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Once the grill is preheated, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
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Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
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Tip: If you’re grilling thick chicken breasts, you can use the indirect heat method by moving them to a cooler part of the grill after the initial sear for more even cooking.
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For extra flavor, you can baste the chicken with some of the marinade (that hasn’t touched raw chicken) while grilling.
5. Rest and Serve:
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Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
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Slice and serve the chicken on its own, or add a garnish of fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions:
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Side Dishes: Pair the chicken with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
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Pasta: Serve the chicken alongside a bowl of pasta tossed in garlic butter or a fresh tomato sauce.
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Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and add it to sandwiches or wraps with some lettuce, tomato, and cheese for a delicious grilled chicken sandwich.
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Rice: Serve over a bed of rice for a simple, satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Garlic Italian Grilled Chicken:
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Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, this recipe works great with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken will take a bit longer to cook through.
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Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This helps prevent some parts from overcooking while others are undercooked.
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Grill Marks: For beautiful grill marks, don’t move the chicken too much on the grill. Let it sit for a few minutes before flipping to get those nice, golden-brown marks.
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Make It Spicy: If you like a bit more heat, add some cayenne pepper to the marinade, or try a spicy hot sauce with the honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Italian Grilled Chicken:
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Simple and Flavorful: The marinade brings out bold Italian flavors with garlic, herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar.
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Versatile: It pairs with so many side dishes and can be served in various ways—on its own, in sandwiches, or with pasta.
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Juicy and Tender: The marinade helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful, even on the grill.
This Garlic Italian Grilled Chicken is a perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to BBQs and gatherings. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!