Best 3 Best Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipes

THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• One at a time, place the chicken breasts in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag; using a meat mallet, pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
• Mix all of the ingredients except for the chicken together in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag (go ahead and use the same one you used for pounding if it is still in good shape). Add the chicken breasts to the bag and massage the marinade into the meat until evenly coated. Seal the bag and place in a bowl in the refrigerator (the bowl protects against leakage); let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Preheat the grill to high heat and oil the grates. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Do not overcook. Transfer the chicken to a platter and serve.

GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST

Steps:

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board (leave several inches between them and work in batches as needed). Cover with plastic wrap to keep things tidy, and with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or your fist, pound the chicken to an even thickness. It doesn't need to be ultra thin-just make sure the middle is fairly even with the ends (the chicken should be about 1/2-inch thick).
• With a fork, poke holes all over the chicken (this will allow the marinade to absorb).
• In a large ziptop bag, combine the marinade ingredients, then add the chicken.
• Seal the bag to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. Place in a pan or bowl to catch any drips. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it to marinate for up to 12 hours (5 to 6 hours is ideal). Even 15 minutes is better than nothing!
• When ready to grill, preheat the grill to high (475 degrees F). If your chicken has been in the refrigerator, remove it and allow it to come to room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Clean and oil the grates.
• Place the chicken on the grill presentation (smooth) side down, shaking off any excess marinade. Cover the grill and let cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then flip. The chicken should lift easily off the grill; if it sticks, allow it to cook another minute or two.
• Recover the grill and cook for an additional 4 to 8 minutes. Chicken is considered done at 165 degrees F. I like to remove chicken from the grill around the 155-160 degree F mark and allow it to finish cooking while resting. DO NOT OVERCOOK, or your chicken will be dry.
• Place the chicken on a plate and let rest for at least 5 minutes (resting is mandatory!). Add any desired toppings or sauces. Enjoy!

GRILLED CHICKEN MARINADE

Steps:

• For the marinade: Combine the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a pint-sized mason jar. Cover and shake well to combine. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before use.
• For the grilled chicken: Place the chicken in a zip-up gallon bag. Add all of the marinade, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
• Meanwhile, pre-heat one side of the grill to medium heat, around 350°, and leave the other side unlit. Oil the grill grates well.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken skin-side down over the lit side of the grill. Cover and cook until grill marks appear and the chicken easily releases, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Flip the chicken and transfer it to the unlit side of the grill. Cover and cook until the internal temperature reads 165˚, 35 to 45 minutes more (depending on the size of your chicken pieces). Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve immediately.