Easy Grilled Chicken

Grilling on a warm summer evening brings back memories of laughter and delicious aromas wafting through the air. This Easy Grilled Chicken recipe takes just about 45 minutes from start to finish, and its brining technique ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful. Perfectly grilled chicken can transform any meal into a celebration.

This recipe is ideal for families looking for a quick weeknight dinner or for anyone wanting to impress guests at a backyard barbecue. You can easily brine the chicken ahead of time for an effortless meal when guests arrive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy chicken breasts thanks to a simple brining process.
• Perfect grill marks achieved by leaving the chicken undisturbed.
• Quick cooking time allows for a speedy meal.
• Versatile seasoning that complements various side dishes.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients to create a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish.

For the Brine

• 4 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For added flavor, use any preferred salt type.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
• Coconut sugar can substitute brown sugar.
• Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.
• Leave out cayenne for milder flavor.

How to Make It

Start with a simple brining process to ensure juicy chicken.

1. Dissolve
   Dissolve kosher salt and brown sugar in warm water with smashed garlic to create the brine.

2. Brine
   Submerge the chicken in the brine for 30 minutes to ensure the meat stays juicy.

   

3. Dry
   Pat the chicken completely dry and rub it thoroughly with the mixed spices of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper.

4. Preheat
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.

5. Grill
   Grill the chicken for 7 minutes without moving it to create perfect grill marks.

6. Flip
   Flip the chicken and cook for another 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Rest
   Rest the chicken under foil for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute before slicing.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 2 months without quality loss.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for about 1-2 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the brine is fully cooled before adding the chicken.
• Allowing the grill to preheat thoroughly helps achieve nice char.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
• Let the chicken rest to lock in moisture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
• Pair with grilled vegetables for a complete barbecue feast.
• Enjoy in a sandwich with your favorite toppings.