The Best Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe

Few dishes are as crowd-pleasing as classic grilled chicken breasts. Every home cook needs a perfect recipe thats where we come in. Learn how to grill chicken breasts at home with this tried-and-true, test kitchen-approved recipe.

Best Grilled Chicken Breast Marinade

The perfect marinade consists of five elements, according to recipe developer and senior producer Nicole McLaughlin: something salty, something sweet, an acid, a fat, and aromatics. Heres what youll need for this perfect chicken marinade:

• Olive oil: Essential for locking in moisture.
• Dijon mustard: Adds sharp, tangy flavor.
• Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami-rich saltiness.
• Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the flavors.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic ensures the most flavorful marinade.
• Ground spices: Onion powder and ground ginger elevate the flavor profile.

How to Cook Chicken Breasts on the Grill

Heres a brief overview of what you can expect when grilling chicken at home:

1. Trim the chicken and pound to an even thickness.
2. Make the marinade, then marinate the chicken for at least four hours or up to overnight.
3. Grill the chicken until fully cooked.

Recipe Tip: Pair these grilled chicken breasts with Italian salsa verde, made with fresh parsley and basil, to add a pop of color and flavor to your meal.

How Long to Grill Chicken Breasts

Youll know the chicken is perfectly cooked when it releases easily and has dark brown grill marks. This should take about 3 minutes per side, but we recommend using a meat thermometer. Inserted into the thickest part of the breast, the thermometer should read at least 165F (73C).

Test Kitchen Tips

• If you're new to grilling, Nicole recommends starting with chicken thighs instead of breasts they have a higher fat content and are more forgiving. This recipe works with any cut of chicken you prefer.
• Trim the chicken breasts to ensure uniform thickness for even cooking. If needed, pound them out to make them perfectly even.
• Nicole suggests marinating in a zip-top bag no need for a separate bowl. Just seal the bag, massage the marinade, and refrigerate.
• Before grilling, rub the grill grates with a clean, oiled towel using tongs to ensure they dont stick.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Breasts

Looking for serving ideas? Weve got you covered. Here are a few of the top-rated sides to pair with grilled chicken:

• Sweet and Peppery Watermelon Salad
• Grilled Hearts of Romaine
• Grilled Corn Salad

Ingredients

• 6 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Directions

1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken. Place a piece of plastic or parchment on top of each chicken breast on a solid, level surface. Pound the thick end of the chicken to flatten it to an even thickness.
2. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, and ginger to the bag. Press out any excess air and seal the bag tightly. Massage the chicken in the bag until the marinade is well incorporated and the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure the chicken marinates evenly.
4. Preheat the grill to high heat (about 400F or 200C) and lightly oil the grill grates.
5. Place the chicken, top-side down, on the grill. Sprinkle evenly with salt. Cook undisturbed until the chicken releases easily from the grill and has dark brown grill marks, about 3 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to medium (350F or 175C) and flip the chicken. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F (73C).
7. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Each serving of this grilled chicken recipe contains:

• Calories: 405
• Fat: 15g (20% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (15% DV)
• Cholesterol: 145mg (48% DV)
• Sodium: 1042mg (45% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% DV)
• Total Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 54g (107% DV)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (2% DV)
• Calcium: 39mg (3% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (12% DV)
• Potassium: 495mg (11% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.