I am ALWAYS on the lookout for easy chicken recipes. Why is it that we can’t seem to ever have enough of them? I’ve got a must have chicken recipe for your collection. It’s a 4 Ingredient Easy Grilled Garlic and Herb Chicken.
The Garlic and Herb Seasoning Blend
This chicken recipe starts with Garlic and Herb Seasoning. I’m hooked on my garlic and herb mix recipe. The recipe is easy, inexpensive and versatile.
In addition to this chicken recipe, I love using it for Classic Pasta Salad. I’ve also been thinking about all the other ways the seasoning is going to add some major flavor to dishes.
If you don’t make my Garlic and Herb Seasoning, Good Seasons Garlic and Herb Dressing Mix is a good substitute.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Chicken
Ok, we have a seasoning mix. Now let’s make a juicy grilled garlic and herb chicken.
It’s all about the chicken, the marinade and grilling it properly.
Step 1: The Size of the Chicken Breasts or Thighs is Important
Chicken Breasts or Thighs that are even in thickness cook in approximately the same time.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half crosswise.
- Next, using a meat tenderizing mallet, heavy skillet, or rolling pin, pound the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap until it is a uniform thickness.
Step 2: The Marinade
Now that the chicken is the right size let’s talk about marinating the chicken.
What is a Marinade?
A marinade is a flavorful liquid mixture that is used to flavor food, usually meat, before cooking. The liquid mixture is infused with flavorful ingredients like herbs and spices. The food is soaked in the marinade for as little as 15 to 30 minutes and even up to a day. This lets the marinade add great flavor the food.
Some Marinating liquids contain an acidic liquid such as a vinegar or citrus juice. Other marinades contain ingredients like pineapple or ginger that have enzymes in them to aid in the marination process.
The acid or enzymes in the marinade begins the cooking process. It breaks down some of tissue and proteins of the meat. The moisture and flavor of the marinade absorb into the meat easier because of this process.
How to Marinate Chicken
The marinade is made and now you have a few options for marinating your food chicken.
A Large Food Storage Bag – A large zip top food storage bag is one way to marinate chicken or other meats. Place all of your ingredients into the bag, zip the bag and place the bag into a large container. The container is used in case the bag springs a leak. You don’t need marinade all over the inside of the fridge!
A Marinating Container – My favorite way to marinate is to use a Marinating Container. The marinade and meat go into the container and the lid seals tight. I give the container a good shake every couple of hours and flip it over in the fridge without any risk of it spilling it all over the place.
How Long to Marinate Chicken
Marinating Chicken for a 2 to 4 hours is perfect. It is plenty of time for the flavors to get into the chicken and give you those juicy results you’re looking for.
The Garlic and Herb Chicken Marinade
I love this Easy Garlic and Herb Chicken Marinade! It’s perfect for juicy results.
How easy is it? 3 Ingredient easy! Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and the Garlic and Herb Mix. That’s it!
Step 3: Grilling Juicy Chicken
Easy and Flavorful seasoning, check. Great marinade, done. Grilling time is here!
Here are tips for grilling juicy chicken.
- Preheat the grill to a medium high heat
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-8 minutes on the first side. The chicken will release easily from the grill when it is time to flip it.
- Flip chicken and grill for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Using a thermometer like this one is great for letting you know the chicken is at the proper temperature. Boneless Chicken Breasts are perfect at 165℉ and Boneless Chicken Thighs are ready at 170℉ .
That’s how to get Easy and Juicy Grilled Garlic and Herb Chicken!
Now that you’re in a grilling mood here are some other recipes and grill tools to keep the ball rolling.
I’ve got a post HERE that has some great tools for grilling
Side Dishes for Grilled Garlic and Herb Chicken
- Classic Pasta Salad
- Grilled Caprese Salad
- Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad
- Corn and Avocado Salad
- Sauteed Mushrooms and Green Beans with Garlic
Grilling and Marinade Recipes
- Asian Marinated Flank Steak
- Maple Bourbon Steak
- Chili’s Copycat – Monterey Chicken
- Grilled Cocktail Shrimp
Juicy Grilled Garlic and Herb Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 – 1½ lbs. Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
- ½ Cup Cup Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon, Juiced
- 2 Tbs. Garlic and Herb Seasoning or 1 Packet Good Seasons Garlic and Herb Dressing Mix
Instructions
Prepare Marinade
- Mix Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and Garlic and Herb Seasoning together in a 2 cup measuring cup or medium sized bowl.
- Set Marinade aside while the chicken is prepared.
Prepare Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts in half crosswise.
- Using a meat tenderizing mallet, heavy skillet, or rolling pin, pound the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap until it is a uniform thickness.
- Place Chicken and marinade in a large zip top bag or large container for marinating.
- Place in the refrigerator and marinate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken 20-30 minutes before cooking and allow it to come up to room temperature.
- Preheat grill to medium high heat.
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side. The chicken will release easily from the grill when it is time to flip it.
- Flip chicken and grill for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Using a thermometer like this one is great for letting you know the chicken is at the proper temperature. Boneless Chicken Breasts are perfect at 165℉ and Boneless Chicken Thighs are ready at 170℉.
- Remove the garlic and herb chicken from grill and serve with your favorite side dishes.
