Deliciously Grilled Italian Chicken Breast: A Flavorful Feast
Are you in the mood for a succulent and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and healthy? Look no further than Grilled Italian Chicken Breast! Bursting with aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is a culinary delight that’s sure to please your taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of how to prepare this mouthwatering dish, including nutrition facts, cooking directions, serving suggestions, storage tips, flavor variations, and more.
Nutrition Facts:
Before we delve into the recipe and its preparation, let’s take a quick look at the nutrition facts for Grilled Italian Chicken Breast. This information will help you make informed choices about your meal:
| Serving Size | 1 piece (approx. 4 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 30g |
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken breasts before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
What to Serve With Grilled Italian Chicken Breast:
Grilled Italian Chicken Breast pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- A fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini
- Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
- Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the juices
Cooking Time and Tips for Perfection:
Grilling Italian Chicken Breast typically takes around 12-16 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of your grill. To ensure perfectly grilled chicken every time, follow these tips:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to the correct temperature.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry before marinating to help the flavors adhere better.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Leftover Grilled Italian Chicken Breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Flavor Variations:
While the recipe above offers a classic Italian-inspired flavor profile, feel free to get creative with your seasonings and marinades. You can customize the dish to suit your taste preferences by experimenting with different herbs, spices, and marinade ingredients. Try adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, lemon zest, or balsamic vinegar for a unique twist on this timeless dish.
Which Chicken Breast to Use:
For the best results, choose high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for grilling. Look for chicken breasts that are uniform in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If possible, opt for organic or free-range chicken for superior flavor and texture.
With these detailed instructions, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions, you’re well-equipped to whip up a delectable batch of Grilled Italian Chicken Breast that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this classic dish!
Deliciously Grilled Italian Chicken Breast: A Flavorful Feast
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken breasts before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
A fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini
Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the juices Cooking Time and Tips for Perfection: Grilling Italian Chicken Breast typically takes around 12-16 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of your grill. To ensure perfectly grilled chicken every time, follow these tips:
Make sure your grill is preheated to the correct temperature.
Pat the chicken breasts dry before marinating to help the flavors adhere better.
Don’t overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Storage and Shelf Life: Leftover Grilled Italian Chicken Breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through. Flavor Variations: While the recipe above offers a classic Italian-inspired flavor profile, feel free to get creative with your seasonings and marinades. You can customize the dish to suit your taste preferences by experimenting with different herbs, spices, and marinade ingredients. Try adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, lemon zest, or balsamic vinegar for a unique twist on this timeless dish. Which Chicken Breast to Use: For the best results, choose high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for grilling. Look for chicken breasts that are uniform in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If possible, opt for organic or free-range chicken for superior flavor and texture. With these detailed instructions, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions, you’re well-equipped to whip up a delectable batch of Grilled Italian Chicken Breast that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this classic dish!