Tired of dry, boring chicken breasts? Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with this incredibly juicy and flavorful grilled bone-in chicken breast recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful summer barbecue. It’s packed with flavor, healthy, and surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Prepare for tender, succulent chicken that will impress your family and friends. Let's get grilling!
Ingredients:
- 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme, for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely on the grill. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Marinate (Optional but Recommended)
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Simply place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the spice mixture over them, and ensure they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Bone-in chicken takes a bit longer to cook, so be patient!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the chicken enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, grill in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the heat of your grill.
- Brining: For extra juicy chicken, consider brining the breasts for several hours before grilling.
Variations:
- Citrus marinade: Add lemon or lime zest and juice to the marinade for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
This grilled bone-in chicken breast recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. The bone-in chicken ensures maximum juiciness, and the flavorful marinade adds a depth of taste that will leave you wanting more. It's the perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, and impressive enough for a weekend barbecue. Give it a try and let us know what you think!