Best 5 Foolproof Grilled Chicken Recipes

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Grilled chicken is a timeless classic that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you prefer tender and juicy breasts, flavorful thighs, or smoky wings, there's a grilled chicken recipe out there for everyone. Not only is it versatile and delicious, but grilled chicken is also a healthy and affordable meal option. In this article, we'll provide you with three foolproof recipes for grilled chicken that are sure to impress your taste buds. From a simple grilled chicken breast with zesty lemon-herb marinade to a smoky and succulent grilled chicken thighs with a tangy BBQ sauce, and a flavorful grilled chicken wings with a spicy buffalo sauce, these recipes offer a range of flavors to suit every palate. Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in the deliciousness of grilled chicken!

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

FOOLPROOF GRILLED CHICKEN



Foolproof Grilled Chicken image

For the very best results, we brine the chicken before it goes on the grill; sear it over the flames; finish cooking it on the other side of the grill; then toss it in a robust vinaigrette when it's done.

Categories     Chicken     Backyard BBQ     Lime     Mint     Summer     Grill     Brine     Grill/Barbecue     Cilantro     Gourmet     Dinner

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 quarts cold water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
5 1/2 to 6 pounds chicken parts with skin and bones
1/4 cup fresh lime juice plus 4 limes, halved crosswise
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
1 large garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Special Equipment
a 22 1/2-inch charcoal kettle grill and a charcoal chimney; or a gas grill

Steps:

  • Brine chicken and make vinaigrette:
  • Bring water, sugar, and 1/2 cup salt to a boil in a 6- to 8-quart heavy pot, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes. Cool brine completely, then add chicken and soak, covered and chilled, 6 hours.
  • Remove chicken and pat dry.
  • Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, mint, cilantro, red pepper flakes, and remaining teaspoon salt in a large bowl, then add oil in a stream, whisking until combined.
  • To cook chicken using a charcoal grill:
  • Open vents on bottom of grill and on lid. Light a large chimney starter of charcoal (80 to 100 briquettes). Leaving about one quarter of grill free of charcoal, bank lit charcoal across rest of grill so that coals are about three times higher on the opposite side.
  • When charcoal turns grayish white (after 15 to 20 minutes), check fire temperature and grill chicken parts according to instructions in accompanying article. Transfer chicken as cooked to bowl with vinaigrette and turn to coat, then transfer to a serving platter and keep warm, loosely covered with foil.
  • When chicken is almost done, grill lime halves, cut sides down, uncovered, over coals until grill marks appear, about 3 minutes, then transfer to platter with chicken. Serve limes with chicken and serve remaining vinaigrette on the side.
  • To cook chicken using a gas grill:
  • Preheat all burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then adjust heat to moderately high.
  • For drumsticks, thighs, and wings (cooking time is longer than cooking times for charcoal grilling):
  • Sear chicken in 2 batches on lightly oiled grill rack, covered with lid, turning over once, until well browned, 6 to 8 minutes total. Turn off 1 burner (middle burner if there are 3) and arrange all seared chicken on rack above shut-off burner.
  • Cook seared chicken, covered with lid, moving chicken around grill (to avoid flare-ups) and turning over occasionally, until cooked through, 12 to 20 minutes. Transfer chicken as cooked to bowl with vinaigrette and turn to coat, then transfer to a serving platter and keep warm, loosely covered with foil.
  • For breast halves:
  • Sear chicken (in 2 batches if necessary to avoid crowding), starting with skin sides down, on grill, covered with lid, turning over once, until well browned, 8 to 10 minutes total. Turn off 1 burner (middle burner if there are 3) and arrange all breasts on rack over shut-off burner.
  • Cook seared chicken, covered with lid, turning over once, until cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to bowl with vinaigrette and turn to coat, then transfer to platter to keep warm, loosely covered with foil.
  • When chicken is almost done, grill lime halves, cut sides down, uncovered, over lit burner until grill marks appear, about 3 minutes, then transfer to platter with chicken. Serve limes with chicken and serve remaining vinaigrette on the side.

PERFECT GRILLED CHICKEN



Perfect Grilled Chicken image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 8h50m

Yield 24 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups olive oil
6 tablespoons honey
3 heaping tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons ground thyme
2 teaspoons ground oregano
Juice of 12 lemons
24 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Steps:

  • Mix together the olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, thyme, oregano and lemon juice in a large shallow container.
  • Pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness and add them to the marinade. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 8 hours.
  • Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken in batches until golden brown on the first side, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side and cooked all the way through, another 4 to 5 minutes. Let the chicken cool.
  • Transfer the chicken to freezer bags individually and in pairs, so it's easy to defrost the exact amount you need.

PERFECT GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST



Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast image

This isn't so much a recipe as it is how to grill a skinless, boneless chicken breast that comes out tender, juicy and perfectly cooked. I was always afraid of the BBQ because my chicken breasts would always come out dry and flavourless....not any more. Try this and I guarantee you a perfectly cooked chicken breast every time. Note: I have only estimated the amounts for the olive oil and seasonings.

Provided by Reggies Mom

Categories     Chicken

Time 9m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons barbecue sauce (optional)

Steps:

  • Brush chicken breast with olive oil on both sides.
  • season with garlic powder, seasoned salt and pepper.
  • Preheat grill on medium heat. Place seasoned breasts on the grill, close the lid and set a timer for 4 minutes.
  • After 4 minutes, flip the chicken breast, close the lid again and set timer for another 4 minutes.
  • Remove from grill, allow to sit for 2 or 3 minutes. Pour on some BBQ sauce and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 168.4, Fat 6.5, SaturatedFat 1.1, Cholesterol 75.5, Sodium 137.5, Carbohydrate 0.9, Fiber 0.2, Protein 25.2

PERFECT CHICKEN



Perfect Chicken image

Chicken stock, wine, onions, garlic, mushroom, cream, butter, herbs, lemon, and capers reduce to make a perfect sauce. Served alongside mushroom rice and asparagus; it is HEAVEN! Patience is key with the sauce. The flavors will come together beautifully if you allow them to reduce as directed.

Provided by Faith

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Thigh Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups chicken broth
½ cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms, or more to taste
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
½ lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon capers, drained
½ cup cornstarch, or as needed
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Pour the chicken broth into a saucepan with the onion and garlic; bring to a boil and cook at a boil until the liquid reduces by half, about 10 minutes. Pour in the white wine, return to a boil, and reduce the liquid by half again, about 10 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, rosemary, and sage; simmer until the mushrooms are tender and have given up their juice, about 15 more minutes. Stir in cream, butter, lemon, and capers; reduce heat and simmer the sauce until thickened, about 10 minutes (45 minutes in all).
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the cornstarch into a shallow bowl and press the chicken thighs into the cornstarch on all sides until thoroughly coated. Shake off excess cornstarch. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; pan-fry the chicken thighs until they develop a golden brown crust, about 8 minutes per side. Place the chicken thighs into a 9x9-inch baking dish and pour the sauce over the chicken.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a chicken thigh should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 609.8 calories, Carbohydrate 22.3 g, Cholesterol 174.6 mg, Fat 42.5 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 23.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.5 g, Sodium 206.1 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

PERFECT GRILLED CHICKEN



Perfect Grilled Chicken image

This is absolutely wonderful. Very tender and lots of flavor. I was a little wary about the dressing and how that would taste, but it was great

Provided by Alia55

Categories     Chicken

Time 1h21m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

4 boneless chicken breast halves
1/3 cup caesar salad dressing
1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Steps:

  • Place Chicken on cutting board and use a kitchen mallet, rolling pin, or small sauce pot to slightly flatten any thick ends. This ensures even width and even cooking.
  • Pour dressing into large plastic bag.
  • Place chicken in bag with dressing. Seal bag and refrigerate 30 min - 1 hour to marinate.
  • Preheat BBQ to medium heat.
  • Remove chicken from plastic bag and discard marinade.
  • Place chicken on barbeque, cover with lid.
  • Grill 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
  • Brush with BBQ Sauce during last few minutes of grilling time.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.1, Fat 19.2, SaturatedFat 3.9, Cholesterol 82.7, Sodium 407.8, Carbohydrate 2.6, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.9, Protein 29.7

Tips:

  • Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch any bones. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Brine the chicken beforehand: Brining the chicken in a mixture of water, salt, and sugar will help to keep it moist and flavorful. You can brine the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness: This will help them cook evenly. You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to do this.
  • Season the chicken generously: Use a combination of salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to help the seasonings stick.
  • Preheat your grill: Make sure your grill is hot before you start cooking the chicken. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.
  • Cook the chicken over direct heat: This will help to sear the chicken and give it a nice grilled flavor. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through.
  • Let the chicken rest before serving: This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

Grilled chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that is a staple on many people's dinner tables. It is a healthy and affordable protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. By following the tips in this article, you can easily make foolproof grilled chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends. So fire up your grill and get cooking!

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