Looking for an easy and delicious grilled chicken recipe? Look no further than my BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken! This mouthwatering dish is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
With a simple yet bold marinade featuring Italian seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic, this recipe takes grilled chicken to a whole new level.
But what sets this recipe apart? It’s all about the details. I pound the chicken breast to an even thickness for even cooking and tenderness. Plus, I pull the chicken off the heat just before it’s fully cooked and let it rest, ensuring it stays juicy and delicious.
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With easy-to-find ingredients and simple techniques, you can enjoy juicy and flavorful Italian grilled chicken with minimal effort.
Tips for Grilling Juicy Chicken Breast
Grilling chicken breast can be a challenge, as it tends to dry out easily. But with a few simple tips, you can achieve juicy and delicious grilled chicken every time:
- Pound the chicken breasts: To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook more uniformly and prevents dryness.
- Marinate with a flavorful BBQ marinade: A good marinade adds moisture and flavor to the chicken. Try a BBQ marinade with Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a delicious combination.
- Season with kosher salt: Before grilling, season the chicken well with kosher salt. This enhances the taste and helps to retain moisture.
- Grill over medium heat: Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. This allows the chicken to cook through without drying out.
Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155°F to 160°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the chicken to finish cooking and retain its juices, resulting in tender and juicy grilled chicken breast.
By following these tips, you can elevate your grilling game and enjoy easy, flavorful, and juicy grilled chicken breast. It’s the perfect dish for summer cookouts or any time you’re craving a tasty and healthy meal.
Expert Tip: Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is a great tool to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, away from bone or fat, to get an accurate reading. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F to 160°F.
Ingredients for BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken
When it comes to making delicious BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken, the key is in the ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garlic
- Lemon zest and juice
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Parsley
Italian seasoning adds a flavorful punch to the marinade, while paprika adds color and a mild heat. If you like your chicken spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes for that extra kick. Fresh garlic and lemon provide additional flavor and brightness to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil enrichens the marinade, while kosher salt enhances the overall taste. Finally, garnish your grilled chicken with some chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Table: BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Lemon zest and juice | 1 lemon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Parsley | For garnish |
With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and succulent BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken that will impress your family and friends. Let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions on how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken
To make this delicious BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken, follow these simple step-by-step instructions:
Pound the Chicken Breasts
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook evenly and remain tender throughout the grilling process. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
Create the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (optional), minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and form a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
Season and Grill the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and then coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F to 160°F.
Let the Chicken Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld. Garnish the grilled chicken with chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch. Serve the BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken alongside your favorite sides or in a variety of creative ways.
Serving Ideas for BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken
When it comes to serving BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Pair the juicy grilled chicken with a fresh salad like Tabouli or Panzanella for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Elevate your salad game by using the grilled chicken in a Greek Salad or Mediterranean Orzo Salad, adding a protein-packed twist.
- For a hearty and flavorful pasta dish, shred or slice the chicken and incorporate it into vegetarian options like Pasta Primavera or Sun Dried Tomato Pasta.
- Enjoy the BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken on its own, accompanied by classic sides like roasted potatoes and grilled veggies for a complete and delicious BBQ chicken dinner.
No matter how you choose to serve it, the combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon, and grilled flavors will make your BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken a hit at any gathering or family dinner.
“The options are endless for enjoying the smoky and flavorful BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken!”
More ideas
Looking for more inspiration? Here are a few more serving ideas to try:
- Make BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken wraps by layering the chicken with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing.
- Create a BBQ chicken pizza by using the grilled chicken as a topping along with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and BBQ sauce.
- Turn the BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken into sliders by placing sliced chicken on mini burger buns and topping with your favorite condiments.
- Transform the chicken into a filling for tacos or burritos, adding salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a Mexican-inspired twist.
With these creative serving ideas, you can enjoy the juicy and flavorful BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken in different ways, keeping your meals exciting and satisfying.
Recipe Variations and Tips
Let’s explore some exciting recipe variations and useful tips to take your BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken to the next level:
1. Get saucy: Give your grilled chicken a twist by experimenting with different flavors of BBQ sauce. Try Sweet Baby Ray’s Cola BBQ sauce for a tangy and sweet kick or Hawaiian BBQ sauce for a tropical twist.
2. Extra tenderness: If you want your chicken to be extra tender, marinate it for longer than 30 minutes. However, make sure to add the lemon juice to the marinade only 30 minutes before grilling. This way, you’ll avoid making the chicken rubbery.
3. Indoor grilling: Don’t have access to an outdoor grill? No worries! You can still achieve delicious results by using a grill pan on your stovetop. It will give your chicken those beautiful grill marks and provide a similar flavor.
4. Leftover goodness: If you have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
5. Cooking perfection: To ensure your chicken is cooked to your desired temperature, consider using a meat thermometer. It will help you achieve the perfect level of doneness and ensure your chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
With these recipe variations and tips, you can elevate your BBQ Italian Grilled Chicken to new heights of flavor and tenderness. Get creative, have fun, and savor every delicious bite!
