Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast: A Backyard BBQ Classic

When it comes to backyard grilling, it’s hard to beat a perfectly grilled chicken breast — juicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re building the perfect plate from your Stars & Stripes Grill Master Box or meal-prepping for the week, this easy grilled chicken recipe is a summer staple.

With just a few pantry spices and a citrusy marinade, this chicken comes out tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients (per 2 chicken breasts):

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a few sprigs of fresh thyme

Prep Steps:

1. Flatten for even cooking. Lightly pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook more evenly and stay juicy.

2. Marinate for max flavor. In a bowl or bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Add chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

Grill It:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (375–400°F).

2. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.

3. Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Avoid pressing down on the chicken while it cooks — you want to keep all those juices inside.

Rest, Then Slice:

Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps every bite tender.

Serve It Up:

This grilled chicken is perfect on its own or sliced over salads, grain bowls, or in wraps. Add a side of grilled veggies or corn on the cob for a meal that’s as fresh as it is flavorful.