It’s easy. It’s fast (start to finish in 30 minutes!). You likely have the ingredients on hand right now (~10 ingredients give or take a spice). You don’t need a grill! (It’s just as delicious baked or cooked on the stovetop on a grill pan or in a cast iron skillet.) The seasoning technique can be applied to fish, other meats, cauliflower steaks, and even tofu and tempeh.
Let’s do this!
How to Make Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is just about as easy as it gets. Start with your chicken: We always try to go for boneless, skinless, organic, free-range chicken breasts). Brush a little oil, add your seasonings of choice (we’ll get to that next), and grill — flipping regularly to ensure even cooking — until you’ve reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C). That’s it!
How to Season Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken can be seasoned SO many ways. But this version has become our go-to. It’s adapted from Eating Bird Food’s amazing Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken recipe. Originally I thought, “Apple cider vinegar? Doesn’t it just make it taste like vinegar?” The answer is no. The vinegar tenderizes the chicken, which makes it super juicy. And it also enhances the other seasonings by adding a big of acidity to the overall flavor.
Our Go-To Spice Blend
Smoked paprika (which gives the chicken a smoky flavor and bright-red hue) Dried oregano & basil Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper Fresh chopped rosemary (or thyme) Red pepper flake & Cayenne (optional for more heat!)
The Secret to Perfect Grilled Chicken
To keep the meat tender and not dried out, cook over a low flame vs. a high flame on the grill (or over medium-low to medium heat on the stovetop) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally until it just barely reaches 165 F (74 C). Perfect chicken every time. Another tip? You can poke your chicken with a knife to allow the marinade and spices to more thoroughly infuse the meat with flavor. Also, marinating up to 24 hours in advance helps tenderize and enhance the flavor even more!
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken can be served alongside or on top of so many things! Our favorite pairings:
Garlicky Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas (our go-to!) Quinoa Brown Rice or Green Rice Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls Dairy-Free Alfredo Pasta Roasted Vegetables
Our favorite sauces:
10-Minute Chimichurri Sauce Easy Tahini Dressing (our go-to!) Easy Vegan Tzatziki
We hope you LOVE this recipe! It’s: Quick & easy to makeBIG on flavorCustomizable (spices + protein)VersatileSatisfying& Delicious How long does grilled chicken keep? We find it keeps for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.
More Grilling Recipes
Grilled Veggie Skewers + Chimichurri Sauce Lemongrass & Peanut Tempeh Satay Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers Grilled Corn with Sriracha Aioli Grilled Corn Salad with Vegan Chipotle Ranch
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment and rating, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
