Basil Grilled Chicken
Infuse your summer grilling with vibrant flavors by trying this Basil Grilled Chicken recipe! Featuring tender, perfectly grilled chicken breasts marinated in a fragrant blend of fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey, this recipe delivers bold, herbaceous notes with a hint of sweetness. It's quick to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time, and the marinade does all the heavy lifting, ensuring juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Whether cooked to perfection on an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan, this dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. Serve it alongside a crisp salad, charred veggies, or fluffy rice for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Optimized for those searching for "easy grilled chicken recipes," "basil chicken marinade," or "summer grilling ideas," this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, simple, and flavorful meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth to form the marinade.
Pour half of the marinade into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Reserve the other half for brushing during grilling.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade in the bag or dish, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the used marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved marinade onto the chicken to enhance its flavor and keep it moist.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the grilled chicken warm, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair it with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1622 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.4 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2880 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.2 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.0 g | ||
| Protein | 217.4 g | 435% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 126 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1948 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
