If you’ve been searching for a truly delicious and simple way to elevate weeknight dinners, then you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Grilled Chicken with Herb Marinade Recipe. This dish is an absolute flavor powerhouse, combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with a bright, aromatic herb marinade that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re a grilling newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to for quick, satisfying meals that feel effortlessly gourmet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the vibrant taste and perfect texture of the dish. With fresh herbs injecting burst of fragrance and olive oil keeping the chicken moist, the flavors come together in perfect harmony.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, lean and quick to cook, ensuring juicy results when marinated properly.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps infuse the marinade into the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the flavor depth.
- â…“ cup red wine vinegar: Brings a slight tanginess that balances the herbs and tenderizes the chicken.
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme, basil): Infuse the chicken with fresh, vibrant notes that make every bite exciting.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the natural flavors.
- â…› teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the marinade.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Herb Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by checking the thickness of your chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking and tenderness, slice thicker pieces in half or gently pound them between parchment paper or plastic wrap until they are evenly thin. This step makes sure the marinade seeps in beautifully and the chicken cooks uniformly on the grill.
Step 2: Make the Herb Marinade
Whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, fresh herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper in a sealable plastic bag or large dish. This aromatic blend is the heart of your Grilled Chicken with Herb Marinade Recipe, bringing in bright, fresh, and savory notes you’ll love.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the prepared chicken to the marinade, seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. The longer you marinate, the more those wonderful herb flavors infuse into every tender bite, soaking right through the meat for a deeply satisfying taste.
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat, about 450-500°F. Getting the grill hot enough ensures a perfect sear, locking in juices and creating those irresistible grill marks that signal deliciousness.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for approximately 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. This even cooking method guarantees a juicy interior and a nicely charred exterior that’s simply mouthwatering.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Before taking the chicken off the grill, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This critical step assures safety while keeping the chicken tender and juicy—no guesswork involved!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Herb Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil right before serving adds a burst of color and an herbal punch that brightens the dish even more. A simple wedge of lemon on the side invites a zesty squeeze, enhancing the chicken’s vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad, grilled vegetables, or even a fluffy couscous. These accompaniments keep the meal balanced and let the star Grilled Chicken with Herb Marinade Recipe shine front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Slice the grilled chicken and layer it over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant salad. Or, chop the chicken into chunks and serve it on warm pita bread with tzatziki for a fun Mediterranean twist that’s sure to impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will keep perfectly for up to 3 days. The herbs remain vibrant, and the chicken stays juicy enough to enjoy cold or reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It stays good for up to 2 months and thaws quickly in the fridge when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To keep the chicken moist when reheating, warm it gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, or briefly microwave it with a splash of water. Reheating this way preserves its tender texture and lets you enjoy that fresh-off-the-grill taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with the herb marinade and tend to stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the grilling time slightly to make sure they reach a safe internal temperature.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken from 2 to 8 hours. Going beyond 8 hours may start to break down the texture too much because of the acidity in the vinegar, so it’s best not to exceed that.
Is it necessary to use red wine vinegar?
Red wine vinegar adds a lovely tang and depth, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
Do I need to oil the grill grates?
Yes, lightly oiling the grill grates before cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures that perfect grill marks without tearing your beautiful marinated chicken.
Can I make this recipe indoors on a stovetop?
Definitely! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent drying out, and use the same internal temperature check to ensure safety and juiciness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simple magic of this Grilled Chicken with Herb Marinade Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and garlicky goodness that brightens up every bite, turning everyday chicken into a dish worth savoring. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite, too!
Print
Grilled Chicken with Herb Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including marinating time, minimum 2 hours)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and flavorful grilled chicken recipe featuring a quick and easy herb marinade. Perfect for a healthy and delicious meal, this recipe uses fresh herbs and garlic to enhance the natural taste of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- â…“ cup red wine vinegar
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme, and basil)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- â…› teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Check the thickness of your chicken breasts. If needed, slice the chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces, or place the breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound them to an even thinness to ensure even cooking.
- Make the marinade: Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, fresh herbs, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour the marinade into a sealable plastic bag or a large dish, then add the chicken breasts. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 450-500°F, ensuring it’s clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through to achieve even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Remove from the grill and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use any combination of fresh herbs depending on your preference or what you have available.
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 8 hours) will enhance the flavor, but avoid going beyond 12 hours to prevent texture changes.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps retain juices for a moist and tender bite.
- Serving suggestion: pair with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or a light couscous for a balanced meal.
