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Perfect Marinated Chicken Recipe for Summer BBQ Easy and Juicy

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A quick and easy marinated chicken recipe perfect for summer BBQs, delivering juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken without the risk of over-marination.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until honey fully dissolves and ingredients are well combined (approx. 3 minutes).
  2. Pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs with paper towels to help the marinade stick better and promote even cooking (approx. 2 minutes).
  3. Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, seal the bag or cover the dish, and gently massage the marinade into the chicken to coat all sides evenly. Refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours, no more than that to avoid mushy texture.
  4. Preheat the grill (charcoal, gas, or grill pan) to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking (approx. 10 minutes).
  5. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Flip only once per side using tongs. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) (approx. 12-14 minutes total).
  6. Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite summer sides like grilled corn or a fresh salad.

Notes

Do not marinate chicken longer than 3 hours to avoid mushy texture. Pat chicken dry before marinating to help marinade adhere better. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. If no grill is available, bake marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Nutrition

Keywords: marinated chicken, summer BBQ, grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, chicken marinade, quick chicken, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/perfect-marinated-chicken-recipe-for-summer-bbq-easy-and-juicy/