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Tender Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe with Fresh Herb Accents Easy and Perfect Every Time

tender grilled chicken breast - featured image

This tender grilled chicken breast recipe features fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, delivering juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfect smoky char. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika. Whisk until well mixed and fragrant.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a plastic zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat grill to medium-high (around 400°F / 204°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Place chicken breasts on grill grates. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and grill marks appear.
  5. Rest the chicken: Remove from grill and let rest on a plate loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  6. Serve and garnish: Optionally sprinkle extra fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice on top before serving.

Notes

If chicken cooks too fast and chars before done, lower grill heat and move pieces to cooler part of grill. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Marinate at least 30 minutes for best flavor; overnight marinating intensifies flavor and tenderness. Pat chicken dry before grilling to avoid flare-ups. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken breast, fresh herbs, rosemary, thyme, parsley, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, BBQ chicken, quick dinner