Juicy, full of flavor grilled chicken that comes out perfect every single time! This chicken is going to be your go-to grilled protein all summer long.
Grilled chicken is summers best companion. From barbecues to quick weeknight dinners and everything in between, grilled chicken is a summer staple. Now, if you’re used to dry and flavorless grilled chicken, it may not be a staple in your house. Well I’m here to show that grilled chicken can be amazing!
I don’t want to toot my own horn or anything, but seriously my grilled chicken really is pretty darn good. The secret is to pound it! No more thick pieces of dry and flavorless chicken. For years I would throw a chicken breast on the grill and hope it would come out perfectly juicy. Sadly, that never happened. This is because chicken breasts aren’t even in thickness, so by the time the thick part cooks the thin part is like leather. Cutting each piece into 2 cutlets and then pounding them not only solves that problem, but it allows you to stretch the portions!
Let’s go through it step by step…
First up you want to lay the chicken on a cutting board and make sure you have a sharp knife. Place your hand on top of the chicken and then slice it evenly down the center with the knife. Be very careful so you don’t cut yourself! Just keep any eye on the knife as your slicing – don’t be intimidated it’s pretty quick and easy to do.
Essentially you’re just cutting the chicken breast into 2 smaller ones. If the chicken you have is smaller pieces, you can just butterfly it and then pound it, or if it’s really small just pound it out so it’s even in thickness.
Once you have your chicken in two pieces, cover them with plastic and then pound it with a meat mallet until they are even in thickness. This is what allows the chicken breasts to cook evenly and stay juicy.
Now it’s time to season them up! You can use whatever herbs and spices are your favorites. I generally use dry rubs, but you can also use a wet rub or marinade. Some of my favorite blends are a simple italian seasoning, herbs de provence, and lemon-pepper. I also love using a creole rub when I want something spicy.
You can serve the grilled chicken as is alongside some potatoes and veggies, or use it to top salads, toss in pastas, for sandwiches, wraps, etc. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this grilled chicken!
If you’re looking for something healthy and delicious to serve for your summer barbecues, try this chicken! It’s on my memorial day menu and it’s always a crowd pleaser.
- 2 Large Chicken Breasts
- 1 Tablespoon Oil (Olive Oil, Melted Coconut Oil, etc.)
- 3 Tablespoons Herb or Spice Rub*
- Using a sharp filet knife or other sharp knife, cut each chicken piece into 2 cutlets. To do this, lay a chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Place your hand on top of the chicken and then take your knife and slice it into 2 pieces – your hand is a guide to keep the knife gliding through the chicken. Be very careful and go slowly!
- Pound each piece of chicken (cover with plastic wrap) with a meat mallet until they are at an even thickness. You want the chicken pieces as thin as you can go without tearing the meat.
- Once you have your chicken pieces, coat them with the oil and then coat them in your favorite herb or spice rub.
- Preheat your grill to 400º or heat a grill pan over high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the grill at an angle. Cook for 2 minutes and then shift each piece on the opposite angle for another 2 minutes. This is what will give you perfect hatch marks on the grilled chicken! Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side. 4 minutes is perfect for thin cutlets. If your chicken is a little thicker, add a few more minutes to the cooking time.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- *You can use any of your favorite herbs and spices – I love Italian seasoning, herbs de provence, or lemon-pepper. If you want something spicy try a creole spice mix. The possibilities are endless!
Great tips, Keri! I sometimes pound chicken, but I’ve not thought to cut them this way. I’m totally crushing on your meat mallet too. I’ve been using a rolling pin. 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Brown Ale Bread Stuffed with Bacon, Gorgonzola, and Figs
It makes all the difference Rachelle! Get yourself a meat mallet – I used a rolling pin for years and was amazed at how much easier the mallet is!! 😉
This chicken breasts are seriously perfect! On Sundays I usually have Shawn grill up a couple chicken breast to keep in the fridge. Great for tossing into salads for lunch. I’ve got to try your method for cutting them in half and pounding them!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Creamy Mushroom and Bell Pepper Pasta
Definitely try it – it really makes all the difference! I love making a big batch on a Sunday and tossing it in salads too!
3 ingredients!? What what what. All about that! I’ve never thought to cut them in half like that before. So smart!
Melissa @ Bits of Umami recently posted…Mom’s Easy Holiday Ham
Yep – quick, easy and only 3 ingredients! Thanks Melissa!
Thanks for the tips Keri! I make a lot of chicken throughout the week and like others said I like to make extra to have for lunches, quick meals, etc. This sounds like a great way to keep the chicken from getting dried out. Can’t wait to test out your master method!
Alison recently posted…Eyelet Top{ic} of the Day
Let me know how it comes out for you! I also love having it around in the fridge for salads and lunches! Thanks Ali 🙂
I loved all your tips!
Your grilled chicken really does look perfect!
Pinned!
Thanks Mariah!
Grilled chicken is one of the best things ever – can’t wait to try yours! It looks amazing!!!
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries recently posted…Superfood Popsicles
Thanks Annie!
Keri, your chicken looks picture perfect! Wish we could have it for dinner tonight 🙂
Judit + Corina @Glamorous Bite recently posted…Chocolate Covered Strawberries with Rose Petals
Thank you! I have some in the fridge ready to go for my dinner tonight! 🙂
Wow!! Grilled chicken this looks so yummy!!!
Thanks a lot for sharing such an excellent suggestion. keep posting such kind of information on your page. I’m really impressed by your blog. You’ve performed an incredible job. I will certainly dig it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this website.
Enjoy competitive and transparent pricing with Mayday Dental Staffing. We understand the importance of cost-effectiveness in your practice, and our agency strives to offer rates that align with your budget while maintaining high-quality staffing solutions.