With Memorial Day finally here, it’s safe to say that BBQ season has officially started. While BBQ’s are a great way to enjoy the warm weather, they’re also an excuse to serve up a spread of tasty, yet not-so-healthy hot dogs, burgers and fries (and don’t forget the coleslaw and potato salad!). It’s really a shame because grilled chicken is cheaper, healthier, and quicker than all that other BBQ fare. With the right preparation, your chicken can turn out perfectly moist and full of flavor, you won’t even miss the other stuff. Leftover grilled chicken is also great on salads, in tacos, or repurposed in a chicken tortilla soup!
The best way to get your chicken to be moist and flavorful, is to marinate it for several hours. Adding oil and acid to the marinade really helps to tenderize the chicken and keep it moist. I love the bright and fresh flavor that lime juice adds, but feel free to experiment with lemon juice or vinegars of your choice.
Grilled Marinated Chicken
1 pkg chicken breasts, cleaned and trimmed of fat
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
juice of 1 lime
zest of 1 lime
Method:
Add garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice and zest to a bowl and mix to combine. Add chicken breasts to a ziploc bag and pour over the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator for about 6-8 hours (or a few hours at the minimum). Remove chicken from marinade (discard remaining) and place on a hot grill. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on size and thickness (the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F).
NOTE: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, feel free to make this on a grill pan, or broil in the oven for about 4-5 minutes per side.
TIP: To get nice grill marks on your chicken, pat it dry before placing it on the grill.
1 year ago: salmon pasta salad
2 years ago: black bean & chorizo chocolate chili
Thanks, Chanie. This is my kind of food.
If you want a quick alternative, try marinating your chicken in clear Italian Salad Dressing. It is delicious!!
sounds great, thanks!
Simple and delicious and you are so right about chicken as cheaper, quicker and healthier.
happy start of summer!!
Look at those perfect grill marks! And the chicken looks perfectly moist. Must grill soon.
Sometimes the simplest of foods are the most satisfying. Your chicken looks grilled to perfection
Soy and lime is an awesome flavor combo!
Check out those grill marks. Perfection.
Simple yet always delicious! love it!
love these flavors, so simple and delicious
Sounds delicious, great flavor combination!
Simple and delish
You are so right about marinating chicken to keep it moist. Thanks for the grill marks tip!
Can you cook this in the oven?
Hi Kara, You may bake them at 400 degrees for about 18-20 minutes.
Can you use lemon instead of lime ?
Sure!