This grilled basil garlic chicken is packed with flavor! Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a tasty mix of fresh basil and garlic, making every bite a delight.
Who doesn’t love a good chicken dish? It’s super easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or impress friends at a BBQ. I always serve it with a side of veggies for a colorful plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish since they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. You can substitute thighs for juicier poultry, or use firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for that vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried basil, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also try parsley or cilantro for a different twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a strong flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work as well—use about 1 teaspoon. Some folks like adding roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness. Feel free to swap it with avocado oil or any other oil you prefer, but avoid oils with strong flavors that might overpower the dish.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If fresh isn’t available, bottled lemon juice can suffice, but make sure it’s 100% juice for best results. Lime juice is a great alternative too!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping your chicken juicy is all about marinating and cooking it correctly. Marinating the chicken in your basil-garlic mix not only infuses flavor but also helps in keeping it moist during grilling.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, but up to four hours is best for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Preheating the grill is crucial. This creates a nice sear that locks in juices.
- Avoid flipping the chicken too often; cook it on one side until grill marks appear before turning it.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Lastly, let your grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, making every bite tender!
How to Make Grilled Basil Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe involves about 15 minutes of prep time and requires at least 1 hour to marinate (up to 4 hours for maximum flavor). After marinating, the grilling will take about 15 minutes. So, you’re looking at a total of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Combine the chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’d like a little kick!). Stir everything together well to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. If you’re using a bag, seal it tightly, or if you’re using a dish, cover it. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it marinate for up to 4 hours for even better flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the fridge, letting any excess marinade drip off (don’t worry, we’ll discard the leftover marinade). Now, place those chicken breasts on the grill! Grill the first side for about 6-7 minutes, until you see nice grill marks. Then, flip the chicken and grill for another 6-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done grilling, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy! You can garnish it with fresh basil leaves and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious grilled basil garlic chicken!
Can I Use Dried Basil Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use dried basil instead of fresh, but the flavor will be less intense. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil, as it’s more concentrated. Add it to the marinade in the same way as fresh, but consider letting it sit a bit longer to infuse its flavor.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but you can go up to 4 hours. Just remember not to exceed this time, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken, resulting in a mushy texture.
Can I Cook This Chicken in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also broil for the last few minutes to get a nice, charred effect.
What Sides Pair Well With Grilled Basil Garlic Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of quinoa or rice. For a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or a light pasta dish would also complement the flavors nicely.
