25 minutes
A deliciously marinated grilled chicken breast flavored with fresh citrus and thyme, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
0 oz
teaspoons
teaspoons
Fresh Thyme Leaves, finely chopped
tablespoons
Garlic Clove, crushed and peeled
each
Lemons, for zest and juice
each
tablespoons
Basil Leaves, torn, for garnish
to taste
1. Flatten Chicken
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a mallet or rolling pin, being careful not to thin them out too much to avoid drying during cooking.
2. Season and Marinate
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, chopped thyme, and crushed garlic cloves. Zest 1 lemon directly into the bowl, then halve and squeeze its juice in as well. Pour in the olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for 1 to 2 hours. Before grilling, remove chicken from the refrigerator to come to room temperature.
3. Preheat Grill
Preheat your grill to a high temperature, setting up for direct heat if using charcoal.
4. Grill First Side
Brush the chicken breasts lightly with additional olive oil. Place on the hot grill, cooking until the underside is nicely browned and the chicken is roughly halfway done, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Flip and Finish
Turn the chicken breasts over and continue grilling until they are fully cooked through, another 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. If desired, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and squeeze over additional lemon juice. Scatter torn basil or mint leaves on top for a fresh herb finish.
Marinate the chicken in a mixture of garlic, chopped thyme, citrus zests and juices, and olive oil for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavors and a more tender result.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent overcooking, keeping in mind that the temperature will continue to rise slightly after removing from the grill.
Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier chicken breast.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side without moving it around too much to develop a good sear.
Use the freshest herbs and the best quality citrus fruits for the marinade to ensure the best flavor profile.
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