The Best Grilled Chicken Breasts

The Best Grilled Chicken Breasts

4 servings
Say good-bye to dry, stringy grilled chicken breast. We’ve come up with the best method for supremely tender, flavor-packed meat that marinates in 30 minutes and grills in just 10. The key ingredients in the marinade are yogurt and lemon, which deliver a one-two punch of gentle tenderizing and immense flavor -- without making the chicken rubbery like some ultra-acidic marinades can. The yogurt also adheres to the exterior, creating a crispier “crust” that locks in the juiciness. The perfect partner for grilled vegetables or all kinds of potatoes, this chicken is equally delicious chopped and served cold on salads or grain or noodle bowls.

Ingredients

  • four 6-ounce boneless

    skinless chicken breasts

  • plain

    full-fat yogurt

    1 c
  • zest and juice of lemon
    1
  • scallions

    whites coarsely chopped and greens reserved for serving

    4
  • garlic
    2 cloves
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Working with one chicken breast at a time, place the chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound with a meat mallet to 1/2 inch thick then transfer to a large bowl.

  2. 2

    Combine the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, scallion whites, garlic, olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper to a food processor and process until smooth. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Turn the chicken a few times to coat then submerge in the marinade. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but no more than 3 hours.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat a grill to medium.

  4. 4

    Remove the chicken from the marinade to a large platter, letting any excess marinade drip back into the bowl. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Grill, covered, flipping once halfway through, until a digital thermometer registers 165 degrees F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

  5. 5

    Thinly slice the scallion greens on a bias and sprinkle over the chicken. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

The Best Grilled Chicken Breasts

The Best Grilled Chicken Breasts

3.8(18)50 min4 servings316 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Very Good

Based on 18 ratings

foodnetwork.com
3.8(18 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Tired of dry, tough grilled chicken breasts? This recipe is your secret to perfectly tender, flavor-packed grilled chicken every time, ready for your plate in under an hour. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to consistently juicy results that will make you rethink grilled chicken forever.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic lies in our unique marinade, where full-fat yogurt and fresh lemon deliver a gentle, dual-action tenderizing punch. Unlike overly acidic marinades that can make chicken rubbery, this blend softens the meat while locking in moisture. The yogurt also adheres beautifully to the exterior, creating a subtly crispy “crust” that seals in all the delicious juices.

What truly sets this method apart is its ability to infuse immense flavor with the bright zest and juice of lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh scallions, all in a quick 30-minute marinade. This ensures every bite is bursting with taste and a wonderfully succulent texture.

What to Expect

Imagine grilled chicken breasts that are supremely tender and moist on the inside, with a beautiful, slightly crisp exterior. You'll taste vibrant notes of lemon and garlic, perfectly balanced by the subtle tang of yogurt and savory depth. This main-dish recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding, yielding four satisfying servings at just 316 calories each.

This method guarantees chicken that is never stringy or dry, instead offering a delightful chew and a naturally gluten-free experience. The overall preparation is designed to be efficient, culminating in a delicious meal that feels both gourmet and comforting.

Customization & Variations

While perfect as is, feel free to adjust the aromatics to your taste. You could add a pinch of dried oregano to the marinade for a Mediterranean flair, or a touch of smoked paprika for earthy notes. For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes would be a welcome addition to the marinade.

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
  • Herb variations: Experiment with fresh chopped dill or parsley instead of, or in addition to, scallions.

Serving & Context

These flavor-packed grilled chicken breasts are the ideal partner for a vibrant summer spread, pairing wonderfully with grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or all kinds of roasted or mashed potatoes. Don't forget to garnish with the reserved scallion greens for a pop of freshness and color. This chicken is equally delicious chopped and served cold on salads or hearty grain and noodle bowls, making it perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions