This easy grilled chicken is seasoned with garlic, onion powder and smoked paprika then finished with a squeeze of lime for tender, juicy and flavorful results every time. This grilled chicken breast recipe will be your new favorite reason to fire up the grill this season.
For serving: Limes and chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Make sure your meat is thawed and set out at room temperature 15 minutes before cooking.
Trim chicken breasts. Pat down with paper towels, if needed. Using a meat tenderizer, pound each piece of chicken into an even thickness. Rub olive oil evenly over top.
In a small bowl, stir together the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, paprika and chili powder. Rub evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Grill chicken 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until the center is no longer pink and a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160ºF to 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with freshly squeezed lime and chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
Grilling Tips:
Clean your grill. Start with clean and oiled grill plates, so that the meat doesn't stick to the grill when cooking.
Flipping. Don't flip the chicken until about 4 to 6 minutes have passed. That's how you achieve those beautiful charred grilled marks.
Meat thermometer. Use a meat thermometer to easily check the temperature while grilling. I like to remove my chicken from the grill when it's about 160ºF. After it rests for a few minutes, the temperature usually rises up to 165ºF.
Let rest. Make sure to let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes! If you don't, the juices will all run out.
Temperature: I like to remove my chicken from the grill when it's about 160ºF. After it rests for a few minutes, the temperature usually rises up to 165ºF.Sauce: This is more of a wet rub than a marinade, so try easy chicken marinade or BBQ sauce, if you'd prefer a sauce. Marinate: If you have time, marinate your meat about 2 hours before grilling. I like to place the chicken in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade on top. The flavors infuse a bit more and taste extra delicious!Storing: Grilled chicken will stay fresh stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.Freezing: Wrap each whole chicken breast (do not slice) in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or bag. Store in the freezer up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator over night when ready to enjoy.