How To Make Grilled Chicken

These are the base ingredients that you will need to make succulent grilled chicken at home:

• Chicken: The first main part for grilled chicken is 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken. You can either go for chicken thighs or its breasts, whichever you like. Make sure that you avail fresh cuts to give your dish a first-rate finish.
• Olive Oil: Any vegetable oil would act well, or better yet, if you have olive oil, use it. You shall need approximately ¼ cup in total; this is important for the chicken to marinate in. This oil makes the meat soft and stops it from clinging to the grill.
• Lemon Juice: This is one of those vital ingredients that should be used in the cooking of any kind of meat. The juice pierces into the meat and allows the condiments to infuse into it. Also, it provides some chewiness to the chicken. Use ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice for best results.
• Minced Garlic: As the taste and flavor of garlic are so strong, nobody can ever forget this product. To create a sound flavor base, take 3 cloves of garlic (minced).
• Condiments: Add 1/4 tsp of chili powder, 1 tsp of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, and  ½ teaspoon of black pepper to elevate the flavor of chicken.
• Brown sugar (optional): Sugar is added if you want a little sweetness in your chicken. Use it in accordance with your preference or omit it altogether if the lighter savory flavor is preferred.

Tools Needed

• Grill
• Grill Brush
• Zip-lock Plastic Bags
• Tongs
• Measuring Spoons
• A bowl or Dish
• A fork
• Kitchen Thermometer

Check out this guide to help you get the best out of the grilling method of the chicken. Before you begin, ensure your chicken is thoroughly cleaned. 

Step 1: Pound the chicken

First, search for a meat tenderizer hammer in the kitchen cabinet. Use a hammer it to pound the chicken lightly and ensure the middle section is at an equal thickness with the ends.

This creates thinner and uniform chicken pieces. Consequently, the chicken cooks quickly without becoming dry.

Next, create holes in the chicken with a fork. Making these holes enables the chicken to absorb the maximum amount of flavor from the marination mixture.

Step 2: Make the marination

Create the marination sauce in a small bowl by combining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and dried oregano. Blend well until thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Marinate the chicken

Transfer the marinade into the zip lock bag with the chicken, seal it securely, and place it in a baking dish (to catch any leaks). Twirl the bag to ensure all parts of the chicken are coated.

Put the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, extend the marination duration to 2-3 hours for enhanced season absorption.

Step 4: Grill the chicken

While the chicken season, begin cleaning the grill. Use a grill cleaner to scrub the grates. Brush some oil onto the grates. This impedes the chicken from sticking during cooking.

After scrubbing, preheat the grill for 10-15 mins. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and arrange the chicken on the grill. Grill the chicken for 5-10 minutes on each side.

Insert a thermometer into the thickest piece of the chicken. The chicken is well cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If needed, continue grilling until it reaches the recommended temperature.

Step 5: Let it rest and serve

Using tong spit the cooked chicken and place it on the plate. Leave the chicken to stand for five minutes. This step ensures juiciness in the chicken.

After resting, serve your chicken and enjoy it with your preferred sauce or side dish.

Fire up your grill and target for about 15-17 minutes of cooking time. But here's the real secret: use your kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature. You're looking for 160 degrees at the thickest part.

Now, don't rush to slice into that juicy chicken just yet! Give it a good 5-minute rest off the grill. During this time, the temperature will keep scaling.

Your chicken is good to go when it hits 165 degrees at its bulkiest part. This resting period not only gets you to a safe temperature but also lets those delicious juices reshuffle throughout the meat.

So, keep an eye on that thermometer, be patient with the resting time, and you'll serve up perfectly grilled, safe-to-eat chicken breasts that'll have everyone asking for seconds!

Learn these tips that help ensure properly cooked, juicy chicken with appealing grill marks while minimizing the risk of sticking or drying out.

1. Preventing Chicken from Sticking:

• Ensure the grill is sufficiently hot before cooking.
• Allow each side of the chicken to develop clear grill marks.
• Clean the grill grate thoroughly with a grill brush or crumpled foil held with tongs.
• Oil the grate lightly using tongs and an oil-dipped paper towel.
• Wait for the oil to burn before putting the chicken on the grill.

2. Keys to Juicy, Tender Grilled Chicken:

• Use a marinade to tenderize and add dampness to the meat.
• Combine vinegar in the marinade for tenderizing effects.
• Include salt in the flavoring to help the meat retain moisture.
• Elude overcooking the chicken.
• Use an instant–read meat thermometer for the proper temperature check.
• Take chicken off the grill when it’s reached an internal temp of 160°F or preferably 155°F.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Store cooked chicken at 40°F (4°C) or below in the refrigerator. Use up within 3 to 4 days for optimal safety and quality.

USDA has noted that although cooling inhibits the reproduction of bacteria, it does not prevent it from occurring altogether.

1. Prompt Refrigeration:

Refrigerate cooked chicken within 2 hours of preparation or removal from heat. This time frame is crucial to minimize bacterial proliferation at room temperature.

2. Storage Method:

Place leftover chicken in an airtight vessel before refrigerating. This practice helps maintain moisture and prevents contamination from other foods.

3. Labeling:

Clearly label the container with the date of storage and contents. This labeling system aids in tracking the chicken's storage duration and ensures timely consumption.

Identifying Spoilage:

Monitor stored chicken for signs of deterioration:

• Texture: Discard if the chicken develops a slimy texture or becomes unusually soft.
• Color: Be cautious of darkening or the appearance of greenish or yellowish hues.
• Odor: An objectionable smell indicates spoilage.

These changes signify bacterial growth, rendering the chicken unsafe for consumption.

What to serve with grilled chicken? Well, there are many options to complete your grilled chicken with these delicious side dishes that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Creamy Southern Fried Corn

Maximize your summer corn and bring out its sweetness by preparing this rich and buttery corn dish.

Take off the kernels of the cob, butter, cream, condiments and it would suit the grilled chicken perfectly. It’s very basic but completely alluring!

Crispy Pan-Fried Okra

When fresh okra is in season, grab it! Cut it into pieces, roll in cornmeal and then fry to a crisp, and golden-brown outside that will crumble in your mouth.

These crunchy bites are the perfect compliment with your juicy grilled chicken. Even okra skeptics love this version!

Loaded BLT Pasta Salad

Love BLT sandwiches? This pasta salad incorporates all the standards like crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce into the ideal summertime side dish. It’s cold, rich and works well with grilled chicken.

Easy Grilled Asparagus

While you have that grill fired up for your chicken, throw some asparagus spears on! Just lay them across the grates (not lengthwise) - you don't want them falling through! brush with olive oil, and grill until tender-crisp. That's it!

Sweet and Crunchy Sweet Potato Slaw

Ditch the regular coleslaw and give this one a creative twist! Grated sweet potatoes and cabbage get tossed in a maple-lime dressing for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Add some pepitas-pumpkin seeds for crunch. Fresh, different, and just delicious on top of grilled chicken.

Transform your leftover grilled chicken into five of these easy, delicious meals, they’ll have you mistaken for a chef!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Need comfort in a bowl? This 35-minute soup is your answer! Dump all the leftover shredded chicken and then put it in a Dutch oven with rice, fresh vegetables, and a dash of cream to make a healthy and filling meal.

It is wonderful for those days when you get home tired and still want to something hearty and healthy.

Classic Chicken Bog

This old-time favorite is pure soothe food at its best. It's as simple as that, just add chicken, rice, and a few items and you will have a delicious meal that people will be begging for second helpings. It's something grandmother would prepare for dinner.

30-Minute White Lightning Chicken Chili

Got half an hour? That's all you need for this quick chili! Use your leftover chicken, grab some canned beans and chiles, and you're most of the way there.

While it simmers, chop up your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Easy peasy!

Gooey Chicken and Fontina Panini

Make lunch special with this amazing sandwich! Melted cheese and chicken inside a crispy bread – the kind of food that makes your insisting appetite standstill.

You can cook this delicious sandwich in your panini press or even in a regular cast-iron skillet.

30-Minute Chicken and Barley Stew

Want something healthy but satisfying? This quick stew herds in lots of veggies and hearty barley with your leftover chicken.

Using quick-cooking barley means dinner's ready in just 30 minutes. It's a bowl full of goodness that'll keep you full and happy!