Best Grilled Chicken Recipe

Name: Best Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless thin-cut chicken breast*; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

on May 11, 2025 10 comments »

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This grilled chicken recipe is your ticket to juicy, flavorful perfection in under 30 minutes! With a bold, zesty marinade and a quick spin on the hot grill, it transforms simple chicken breasts into a tender, smoky, crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to make all summer long.

Juicy grilled chicken breasts on a white plate.

EMAIL ME THE RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we'll send this recipe to your inbox. Plus, enjoy exclusive content!

This grilled chicken recipe has quickly become a go-to favorite in our house — and for good reason! The marinade couldn’t be easier, yet it packs the chicken with bold, mouthwatering flavor. Even if you only have 30 minutes, that’s enough time for the marinade to work its magic. After too many dry and bland attempts in the past, I was set on finding a foolproof way to get juicy, flavorful chicken straight off the grill. This recipe delivers every single time, and I’m excited to share exactly how to make it happen!

Table of Contents

Why you’ll crave this recipe

Juicy every time: No more dry or rubbery chicken! This marinade and cooking method guarantees tender, flavorful results.
Fast & easy: Just 30 minutes of marinating and 10 minutes of grilling is all it takes!
Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy, just pantry staples that work together perfectly.
Family favorite: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!

This grilled chicken lives up to its name, and it’s the only way I do grilled chicken breasts anymore. My kids (two biggest critics) love it and request it regularly. We put it on salads or make chicken sandwiches. Flavorful, juicy, delicious!
— Dana

Grilled chicken salad on a large white serving plate.

Ingredients you’ll need

This easy marinade packs a punch of bold, Greek-inspired flavor thanks to ingredients like red wine vinegar, oregano, and a touch of cumin. Here’s what goes into making this grilled chicken recipe so tasty:

Chicken breasts near a bowl of seasonings, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard and garlic.

Chicken breast: Thin-cut pieces cook quickly and evenly, staying tender and juicy.
Olive oil: Helps seal in moisture and adds richness to the marinade.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity to tenderize the meat and brighten the marinade.
Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, savory flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick and helps tenderize the chicken.
Dried oregano: Infuses a warm, Mediterranean herbiness.
Ground cumin: A hint of smokiness that gives the chicken depth.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

Substitutions and variations

Here are some tasty variations and easy substitutions you can try with this grilled chicken recipe:

Use different acids: Swap red wine vinegar for balsamic, apple cider vinegar, or even white wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Try fresh herbs: Replace dried oregano with fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary for a more herbaceous twist.
Add a touch of heat: Mix in red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a bit of hot sauce if you like a spicy kick.
Change up the citrus: Lemon juice adds brightness, but lime or orange juice work great if that’s what you have.
Switch the protein: This marinade works just as well with boneless chicken thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp.
Make it dairy-based: Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt to the marinade for an extra tender texture and tang.

How to make this recipe

Get ready to make juicy, flavorful chicken with ease! Below you’ll find simple, step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling your chicken to perfection. Make sure your grill grates are clean and the grill is preheated before you begin—this helps lock in moisture and gives the chicken those delicious charred grill marks.

Step 1. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag and set aside.

Step 2. In a small bowl or jar, add the olive oil, dijon, red wine vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake jar with lid to combine.

Pouring marinade into a bag with raw chicken breasts.

Step 3. Pour the marinade into the bag with the chicken.

Step 4. Seal the bag and then knead with your hands to ensure all of the chicken is well coated. Place in the fridge and marinate for at least 30 minutes and preferably 4-24 hours.

Step 5. To grill the chicken, heat grill to medium-high heat, about 400 degrees F. Once hot, grill chicken until cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F.

Step 6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices and keeps the chicken tender and moist. Then, serve alongside or on top of a salad, sandwich or with your favorite sides.

Recipe tips

Pound the chicken for even cooking: If your chicken breasts are uneven or especially thick, gently pound them using a meat mallet or rolling pin to even thickness (about 1/2-inch thick). This prevents one end from drying out while the other finishes cooking.
Don’t skip the marinade: Even 30 minutes in the marinade helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. For the best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight.
Don’t move the chicken too much: Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice sear and grill marks.
Use a meat thermometer: Check that the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked and safe chicken.
Let it rest before slicing: Resting the chicken for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to stay extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I cook this chicken on a stovetop instead?

Yes! Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for about 4–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. You’ll still get great flavor from the marinade.

Serving suggestions

Here are some easy and delicious ways to turn your grilled chicken into a full meal:

Create a pasta dish: Toss the chicken with cooked pasta, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and some grated Parmesan.
Serve it in a grain bowl: Layer grilled chicken over quinoa, brown rice, or couscous with veggies, hummus, and a drizzle of tzatziki or tahini sauce.
Make it a wrap or sandwich: Slice the chicken and tuck it into pita, flatbread, or a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
Make a chicken salad: Add sliced chicken to a big Greek or Caesar salad.
Pair with a vegetable side: Serve alongside grilled corn, a medley of roasted vegetables or my favorite baked sweet potatoes.

Helpful tools

16-Piece Complete Grill Set: We absolutely love this affordable grill set! It comes with all of the essentials like a Swiss knife, spatula, tongs, basting brush, cleaning brush, corn holders and skewers in an aluminum case. It’s stainless steel with heat-safe handles and dishwasher safe.
Cast Iron Grill Pan: If you don’t happen to have access to an outside grill, you can totally still make this recipe work using a grill pan. This one is budget-friendly, gets great reviews on Amazon and is great quality!
Wüsthof Two Piece Prep Set (Knives): This is the knife set that I use most often and I can’t say enough great things about these high-quality knives.

Storage recommendations

Storing leftovers: Let the grilled chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for tossing into salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken too! Wrap it tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat: To keep the chicken juicy, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power in short bursts. You can also reheat it in a covered dish in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Grilled chicken sliced and served over a salad with cucumbers and tomatoes.

More tasty chicken recipes

Looking for new, delicious ways to enjoy chicken? I’ve got you covered! Check out my family’s other favorite chicken recipes!

Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Chicken Marsala

Healthy Orange Chicken

Perfect Baked Chicken

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.58 from 19 votes

Leave a Review »

Best Grilled Chicken Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 40

This grilled chicken recipe is your ticket to juicy, flavorful perfection in under 30 minutes! With a bold, zesty marinade and a quick spin on the hot grill, it transforms simple chicken breasts into a tender, smoky, crowd-pleasing favorite you'll want to make all summer long.

Author: Kim