This grilled chicken breast recipe is boneless skinless chicken breasts soaked in a flavorful garlic and herb marinade, then grilled to golden brown perfection. A staple recipe that’s perfect for summer entertaining!
We eat grilled chicken at least once a week, everything from grilled chicken tenders, to chicken kabobs, to this simple yet versatile grilled chicken breast.
You can never go wrong with making chicken breast for dinner. It’s quick, easy, inexpensive and relatively healthy. This grilled chicken breast is packed full of flavor; the chicken comes out perfectly tender and juicy every time!
How do you make grilled chicken breast?
The first step in this recipe is to prepare a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar and herbs. The chicken should marinate for at least an hour, but you can leave the chicken in the marinade for up to 24 hours. Grill your chicken either on an outdoor grill or inside on a grill pan, then slice and serve.
Tips for grilled chicken breast
- Choose chicken breasts that are all about the same size and shape so that they’ll cook evenly. I stay away from the overly thick chicken breasts because they take a lot longer to cook.
- The marinade can be made up to one day before you plan to use it.
- You can serve your grilled chicken breast as-is over mashed potatoes or rice, or make a double batch and use the leftovers in other dishes. I like to add diced grilled chicken to salads, pasta dishes and pizza.
- This chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, which makes it great for meal prep.
- It’s best to cook this chicken over medium heat, as you don’t want the exterior to burn before the inside is cooked all the way through.
How long do you grill chicken breast?
This chicken needs to grill for about 6-8 minutes per side. The grill time depends on the size of your chicken breasts. A medium sized (4 ounce) chicken breast will typically cook in 10-12 minutes total. A larger breast (6-8 ounces) can take 20 minutes or longer to be done.
How do you know when chicken is done?
The best way to gauge whether your chicken is done is to use a thermometer to test the thickest part of the breast. The thermometer should read at least 165 degrees F. I use an electronic thermometer with a remote so that I can just leave the chicken on the grill and monitor its progress by using the remote inside the house.
Grilled Chicken Variations
You can add other ingredients to your chicken marinade to customize it to your tastes.
- Spice Lover’s: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
- Herb Loverās: Add additional tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs such as green onions, rosemary, sage or dill. Scrape off the large pieces of herbs before you cook your chicken.
- Asian Style: Use a blend of olive oil, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic. Omit the thyme leaves.
- Chili Lime: Use the chicken marinade recipe listed here.
Grilled chicken breast is always a total crowd pleaser, and this version is the best of the best! Serve this chicken at your next barbecue and watch the rave reviews come in.
More grilling recipes
- Grilled Potatoes in Foil
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Asparagus in Foil
- Marinated Salmon
- Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon parsley leaves chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon thyme leaves chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a bowl or resealable gallon sized bag.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper and garlic.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
- Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium. Add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with additional parsley for garnish, then slice and serve.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on August 18, 2015 and was updated with new content on June 18, 2019.
Nichole says
I have made this marinade twice now and it was excellent both times! This is go to marinade for grilling chicken breast from now on.
Cheryl says
I made this recipe for July 4th! It was delicious. The chicken was very tasty and well seasoned. My family & friends enjoyed this recipe.
Liza says
It was delicious. This will be my new grilled chicken recipešThank you.
Paul says
Very Tasty. Will make again.
Diane says
Excellent flavour. Definitely will add to our āfavouriteā list. Thank you for posting.
Janet says
The marinade was so tasty and the chicken came out very moist!
Angela H says
This was so nice and easy to make during these crazy times. Thank you so much for sharing. Iām going to try it on Salmon next.
John says
Delicious ,chicken was moist and surprisingly didnāt burn with brown sugar in marinade. Next time will do the same but add a little heat
DS says
Delicious marinade! It will be my new go-to, for sure. Highly recommended!!
Bea says
I put the chicken on the BBQ and it was delicious!
Angie says
What a fun recipe! I’ve got to try your marinade. I do grilled chicken at least once a week!
Ken C says
Just made this. Followed the recipe to the letter.
My entire family loved it. Chicken was super moist. And the marinade added the perfect flvor. Mot to much, not to little. Judt right.
Thanks again for a great recipe.
KC
Fort Worth TX
Catalina says
Oh my goodness! How mouthwatering this grilled chicken looks!
Des says
This marinade sounds amazing! Anytime I don’t have to run to the store to purchase a jar, I am in love.