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Perfect Juicy Grilled Chicken Recipe

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A simple and reliable grilled chicken recipe that uses a smart brine and seasoning blend to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results every time. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 ounces each)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt (60 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brine: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups (950 ml) of cold water with 1/4 cup kosher salt and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir until dissolved.
  2. Brine the chicken: Submerge the chicken breasts fully in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. Do not over-brine.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat grill to medium-high (around 400°F / 205°C). Clean and oil the grates.
  4. Dry and season the chicken: Remove chicken from brine and pat dry. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Rub seasoning evenly on both sides. Brush lightly with olive oil.
  5. Grill the chicken: Place chicken on grill and cook 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once. Avoid pressing down on the meat.
  6. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, cut to check juices run clear.
  7. Rest the chicken: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice over the top.
  8. Serve: Slice against the grain and serve with desired sides.

Notes

Do not over-brine to avoid mushy texture. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let chicken rest after grilling to retain juices. Brush olive oil on chicken and grill grates to prevent sticking. Flip chicken only once during grilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, juicy chicken, chicken breasts, barbecue, easy chicken recipe, tender chicken, backyard grilling