As a lover of Italian cuisine, one of my all-time favorite dishes is Italian grilled chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, mastering the art of Italian grilled chicken is a must. Indulge in the flavors of Italy with our succulent Italian Grilled Chicken. A taste of Italy on your grill, ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin 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
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1/ In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2/ Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each breast is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate. For the best flavor, marinate for a few hours or overnight.
3/ Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4/ Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade.
5/ Grill the chicken breasts on the preheated grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
6/ While grilling, you can baste the chicken with the lemon juice and zest to add extra flavor and moisture. Brush it on a couple of times during grilling.
7/ Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
8/ Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
This Italian grilled chicken is delicious served with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.
Enjoy home made italian grilled chicken at home!
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Italian Grilled Chicken Even More Delicious and Flavorful
Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with the Italian herbs and spices. For more intense flavor, marinate it for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs in your marinade or as a garnish. They’ll add a vibrant, aromatic quality to your dish. Fresh basil and rosemary work especially well.
Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and reduces the risk of overcooking the thinner parts.
Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to a medium-high temperature. A properly preheated grill helps create beautiful grill marks and seals in the juices.
Oil the Grill Grates: Before placing the chicken on the grill, brush the grates with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Lemon Baste: Basting the chicken with lemon juice and zest during grilling adds a burst of fresh, citrus flavor. It also helps keep the chicken moist.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection without being overdone, use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C).
Let it Rest: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, garnish your Italian Grilled Chicken with fresh parsley or basil. It not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Consider serving your Italian grilled chicken with sides like a fresh Caprese salad, grilled vegetables, or a simple pasta with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan for a complete Italian meal.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Italian grilled chicken that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Italian Chicken
Grilling Italian chicken can be a delicious culinary experience, but there are common mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
Overcooking: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the grill promptly.
Not Preheating the Grill: Preheat your grill to the desired temperature before adding the chicken. A hot grill helps to sear the chicken sealing in its juices.
Inadequate Marinating: Don’t rush the marinating process. Give the chicken enough time to soak up the flavors of the Italian herbs and spices. Marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended.
Inconsistent Thickness: If the chicken breasts have varying thickness they’ll cook unevenly. Pound the chicken to an even thickness or use a butterfly cut to ensure consistent cooking.
Not Using Oil on the Grill Grates: Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking. This is especially important when grilling lean meats like chicken.
Lack of Seasoning: Italian grilled chicken should be well-seasoned. Don’t forget to add enough salt and pepper to the chicken and make sure your marinade is adequately seasoned too.
High Flames and Flare-Ups: Excessive flames and flare-ups can char the chicken and make it taste burnt. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control flare ups or move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill.
Neglecting Basting: Basting the chicken with lemon juice and zest during grilling can add a delightful citrusy flavor and moisture. Neglecting this step can result in drier chicken.
Using the Wrong Wood for Smoking: If you’re using wood chips for added flavor choose woods that complement Italian cuisine such as cherry hickory or oak rather than overpowering woods like mesquite.
Lack of Resting Time: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Underseasoned Side Dishes: Your Italian grilled chicken will shine when served with flavorful sides. Ensure your accompaniments like pasta, salad, or vegetables are well-seasoned and complement the chicken’s taste.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can achieve a perfectly grilled Italian chicken that’s moist, flavorful and sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for Italian Grilled Chicken per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of cooked chicken breast, without any added sides or garnishes:
- Calories: 165 calories
- Protein: 31 grams
- Total Fat: 3.6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.9 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6 grams
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 64 mg
- Potassium: 256 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 0 grams
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Also, if you use skinless chicken breasts and a minimal amount of oil, it will generally be a lean and healthy protein option.
