This chicken dish is juicy, packed with yummy garlic and fresh basil flavor. It’s super easy to make, and the grill gives it that nice smoky taste we all love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and easy to cook. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even try turkey breasts as a lean alternative.
Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that aromatic punch. If you’re out of fresh, dried basil can work in a pinch, but use less (about 1 tablespoon) as it’s stronger. You can also play around with herbs like parsley or oregano!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a vibrant flavor. If you want to simplify, garlic powder can substitute. Just use about 1 teaspoon, but fresh is always better for this recipe.
Olive Oil: A key ingredient for marinating. While I love olive oil for its taste, avocado oil is a great substitute with a high smoke point, perfect for grilling.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. If you’re out of fresh, bottled lemon juice works too, but nothing beats the fresh squeeze!
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Is Juicy and Well-Cooked?
Cooking chicken to the right temperature while keeping it juicy can be tricky. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors soak in and keep it moist.
- Preheat the grill so the chicken sears nicely on the outside. This helps to lock in the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. When it hits 165°F (74°C), it’s good to go!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This step allows the juices to redistribute.
Happy grilling! This chicken is sure to be a hit.
Easy Grilled Basil Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Cooking time on the grill is around 12-15 minutes. So, total time is about 1 hour, but most of that is just waiting for the chicken to soak up those amazing flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped basil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the flavorful marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is when all those delicious flavors will really infuse into the chicken!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to get a nice sear on the chicken when you place it on the grill.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and you see nice grill marks on both sides.
5. Let It Rest:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your grilled chicken breasts with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them up with your favorite side dishes and enjoy your delicious, juicy Easy Grilled Basil Garlic Chicken Breasts!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Basil Garlic Chicken Breasts
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Cook them for a similar amount of time, but check for doneness since they might take a bit longer depending on their size.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, it’s ideal to let it sit for 1-2 hours. If you’re in a rush, even 15-20 minutes will provide some flavor boost!
What Should I Serve with This Chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Try it with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or over pasta for a hearty meal. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa to soak up any leftover juices!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
