Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and foolproof 'Easy Championship Chicken' recipe! Juicy, tender chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, and aromatic spices like garlic, paprika, and oregano, delivering bold, savory flavors with every bite. Quick to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy evenings yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The secret lies in marinating the chicken for maximum flavor infusion and grilling it to a golden perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and paired with your favorite sides, this winning recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether cooked on a skillet or outdoor grill, this dish is your ticket to a championship-worthy meal every time.
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
Preheat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and place the chicken breasts on the heated surface. Discard the remaining marinade.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken moist.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Calories |
1622 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.6 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2883 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.2 g | ||
| Protein | 217.2 g | 434% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 120 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1945 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.