Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken Recipe Easy and Juicy Dinner!!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts).
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wedges.
- Extra chopped parsley.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh cracked black pepper.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for a juicier option.
- Avocado oil works well instead of olive oil.
- Dried parsley may be used if fresh parsley isn’t available.
- Salted butter can be substituted by slightly reducing the added salt.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary can replace Italian seasoning for a different flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Outdoor gas or charcoal grill.
- Grill tongs.
- Meat thermometer.
- Small saucepan.
- Mixing bowls.
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
- Cutting board.
- Sharp chef’s knife.
- Silicone basting brush.
- Whisk or spoon.
- Aluminum foil (optional for resting chicken).
- Serving platter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This helps them cook evenly and prevents dry edges.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Coat each chicken breast evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will add flavor.
Don’t marinate much longer than 8 hours because the seasonings can start changing the texture of the chicken.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to 400-425°F. Clean the grates well, then lightly oil them to reduce sticking.
The grill should be hot enough that you can hold your hand about 5 inches above the grates for only 3 to 4 seconds.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the grill heats, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the parsley, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes.
Remove from the heat so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for about 6-8 minutes on the first side.
Flip the chicken only once, then cook another 6-8 minutes.
Brush both sides generously with the garlic butter during the final few minutes of cooking.
The chicken should have golden grill marks and release easily from the grates when it’s ready to flip.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Avoid cutting into the chicken to check doneness because valuable juices will escape.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Brush with any remaining garlic butter and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
The chicken should look juicy inside with clear juices when sliced.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
Chicken breasts – $8.50.
Butter – $1.00.
Garlic – $0.60.
Olive oil – $0.40.
Seasonings – $1.00.
Lemon and parsley – $1.50.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $13.00 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $3.25 USD per serving.
