Simple Grilled Chicken Breasts
Make the best simple grilled chicken breasts with just a few pantry seasonings. No marinade needed! This easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
If you've ever needed a dependable grilled chicken recipe that doesn't require hours of marinating, this is it. I love that I can make it on a whim without planning ahead for a marinade or running to the store for special sauces or ingredients. All you need are a few basic pantry seasonings, fresh chicken breasts, and a hot grill.
Before my daughter left for her second year of college, she asked if I could show her how to make a few basic things like rice, taco meat, and cooked chicken breasts. Chicken was probably the most intimidating for her because she worried about undercooking it or drying it out.
The chicken recipe I originally showed her was actually oven roasted, but it used the same simple seasonings as this grilled chicken recipe - just a different cooking method.
That's one of the reasons I love this chicken so much. It's really easy and works whether you cook it on the grill, in the oven, or even in a skillet on the stovetop. It's a recipe you can count on that's great for college students, busy weeknights, casual summer suppers, and meal prep because it can be used in salads, wraps, rice bowls, pasta dishes, and so much more.
Ingredients You Need
- Meat- For this recipe I use chicken breasts for a leaner and healthier option but you can certainly use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Fat- You'll need a little fat like olive oil to help keep the chicken juicy and brown properly on the grill.
- Seasonings- These are my go-to pantry seasonings, however, I often change them up depending on my mood. For this recipe I use salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley.
Step-By-Step Simple Grilled Chicken
- Prepare chicken breasts by making sure they are even in size. Cover breasts with plastic wrap and use the flat side of a meat mallet to pound out to even thickness.
- Season breasts with olive oil and pantry seasonings on both sides.
- Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side or until an internal temperature reaches 165℉.
- Rest chicken under foil for at least 10-minutes before serving and slicing.
Ang's Tips
- Dry chicken well with paper towels before adding seasonings and olive oil. This will ensure all the good stuff sticks well on the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken doesn't over or undercook. Depending on the thickness of your breasts, will determine how long they take to cook through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking to exactly 165°F helps maintain moisture, and allowing the meat to rest before slicing.
Most boneless, skinless breasts cook in about 10-14 minutes total over medium-high heat, depending on thickness.
Yes! Freeze individually so they don't stick together after frozen. Thaw, and use in soups, casseroles, and skillet meals.
Ideas For Serving Grilled Chicken
As we know it, chicken pairs well with many different sides like salads, roasted veggies, and more. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Coleslaw Pasta Salad
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
- Grilled Panzanella Salad
- Perfect Baked Potato
- Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe
- Quick Roasted Asparagus
- Mom's Famous Potato Salad
- Spaghetti Pasta Salad
Simple Grilled Chicken Breasts
Equipment
- outdoor grill or indoor grill pan see notes below for oven and stovetop method
Ingredients
- 4 medium, boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- onion powder to taste
- paprika to taste
- dried parsley to taste
Instructions
Heat outdoor grill to medium high heat.
- Meanwhile, prepare the chicken breasts by making sure they are even in thickness for more consistent cooking. Place the chicken on a cutting board and cover it with a piece of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to your desired thickness. I usually aim for about ½-1/4 inch thick.
- Once chicken pieces are even, drizzle both sides with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley. You want both sides well seasoned-measure with your heart.
- Place chicken on the hot grill and cook 5-6 minutes per side. You want an internal temperature of 165℉ for juicy, tender chicken. Use a meat thermometer to test the center after the second side has cooked 5 minutes.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil for 10-minutes to help redistribute the juices back in the chicken.
Notes
Nutrition
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