Enjoy these Easy Grilled Basil Garlic Chicken Breasts that are bursting with flavor! They come together quickly with fresh basil and garlic, making them a tasty choice for any night.
Grilling makes the chicken super juicy, and the aromas will have everyone sneaking into the kitchen! I love serving them with a light salad for a yummy meal that’s easy to whip up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they grill up nicely and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thigh fillets are great too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps the marinade stick to the chicken. You can use avocado oil or any neutral oil if you want a different flavor or don’t have olive oil.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful punch to the dish. If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh is always better when you can!
Fresh Basil: Nothing beats fresh basil for flavor. If you can’t find it, dried basil works in a pinch—use 1 tablespoon of dried for every 1/4 cup of fresh. Just remember, dried is more concentrated!
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds brightness to the marinade. If you prefer not using lemon, lime juice is a good alternative and works well with chicken.
How Do I Get Juicy Grilled Chicken?
Getting juicy grilled chicken relies heavily on marinating it well. Follow these tips to make sure your chicken stays moist and flavorful:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better—up to 4 hours adds more flavor!
- Before grilling, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps in even cooking.
- Don’t press down on the chicken while grilling; this releases juices and can make it dry.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) is the target. This ensures you don’t overcook it!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute for a tastier bite.
Easy Grilled Basil Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour for marinating the chicken. You’ll also need around 10-15 minutes for grilling. Altogether, you can be enjoying your delicious grilled chicken in about 1 to 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by mixing the marinade. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well blended. This mixture will add lots of flavor to the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time—up to 1 hour works well for amazing flavor.
3. Preheat and Grill:
Once you’ve marinated the chicken, it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Take the chicken breasts out of the marinade and allow any excess to drip off before placing them on the grill.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want to cook it until it has nice grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Before serving, you can garnish with some fresh basil leaves for a lovely presentation. Enjoy every bite of your flavorful, juicy grilled basil garlic chicken breasts!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use boneless thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time a bit as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil can be used instead. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil, but keep in mind that fresh herbs tend to provide a better flavor. You can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme for a different twist!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great idea! It allows the flavors to penetrate even more deeply, resulting in an even more delicious dish. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge during this time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm it on the grill to avoid drying it out. Enjoy your leftovers in salads, wraps, or even pasta dishes!
