Buzz
Grilled chicken is a quick and nutritious option for a weekday dinner. To prepare grilled chicken, simply marinate the meat and place it in a grill pan. Once cooked, you can enjoy it immediately or store it for later use. Enhance the flavor by using various herbs and spices, and pair it with salads or kabobs.
Ingredients
- Butter or olive oil
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper
- Seasonings of your choice
Steps
Marinate the chicken
Prepare the chicken. Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel. Lightly coat the chicken with butter or olive oil to enhance moisture and flavor.
- If using seasoning, sprinkle it evenly on both sides of the chicken. For instance, you can add flavors like garlic and dried basil or a Cajun spice blend. This depends on the taste profile you prefer.
Line the baking tray with foil. Using foil makes cleanup easier. Place the chicken on the tray. If grilling multiple chicken breasts, space them slightly apart to prevent touching. You can also add thin slices of lemon or wedge-cut pieces to infuse more flavor into the chicken.
- If using skinless chicken, line the tray with parchment paper. Take a sheet of parchment paper, butter one side, and place it over the chicken. Fold the edges of the parchment under the breast to fully cover the meat. The parchment acts as a substitute for chicken skin, helping retain moisture and prevent dryness.
Alex Hong
Head Chef
Head Chef
Expert Tip: "I prefer searing chicken in a cast-iron skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to a baking tray in the oven. Using a cast-iron skillet crisps the skin and allows the meat to absorb all the flavors! Then, I roast it in the oven with butter and herbs. It always turns out perfectly."
Grill the chicken
Grill the chicken breast at 400°F (205°C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken inside. Use an oven thermometer to accurately set the oven temperature.
Check the chicken's temperature regularly. Typically, grilling chicken breasts takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Start using a meat thermometer to check the temperature after around 20 minutes. Some chicken breasts may cook slightly faster, so ensure the meat doesn’t burn. Check the chicken every 10 minutes after the first 20 minutes.
Grill the chicken until it reaches the appropriate temperature. The chicken breast should reach 160°F (approximately 71°C). Leave the chicken in the oven until it reaches this temperature.
- Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven.
Enjoy the grilled chicken immediately or store it for later. Once the chicken reaches the proper temperature, let it cool for a few minutes and serve. You can also store it in an airtight container, like Tupperware, and enjoy it later.
Enjoy the chicken
Add lemon or lime. If you want to enhance the flavor of the chicken, squeeze a bit of lemon or lime juice over the meat. The chicken will carry a subtle, refreshing citrus aroma.
- If using lime, pair it with mint for an extra burst of flavor.
- Try sprinkling fresh herbs over the chicken to complement the citrus notes.
Try coating the chicken with mustard. Mustard pairs wonderfully with chicken. You can spread a bit of Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard on the chicken breast before serving. If making a chicken sandwich, add mustard to the sandwich for extra zest.
Make kabobs with grilled chicken. You can use chicken breast to prepare chicken kabobs. Slice the chicken into small pieces and skewer them onto wooden sticks. Add red peppers and other grilled vegetables to the kabobs for a quick and healthy meal or snack.
Add chicken to a salad. You can chop the chicken breast and toss it into a salad. This makes for a quick, nutritious lunch or dinner option.
Warnings
- Be cautious of salmonella. Raw chicken is often contaminated with salmonella bacteria. Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken and clean any utensils or surfaces that have come into contact with raw chicken. Additionally, sanitize cutting boards and countertops thoroughly.
