Grilled Juicy Ginger Lemon Chicken

Grilled Juicy Ginger-Lemon Chicken

This recipe is perfect for a flavorful and juicy grilled chicken dish. The marinade packed with lemon and ginger goodness will leave your taste buds happy!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ginger paste)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts)

Cooking Guide:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ginger, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Place chicken breasts in a sealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all chicken pieces are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard marinade. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Grill the chicken for 4-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Be sure to only flip the chicken once for the juiciest results.
4. Rest and Serve: Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. The resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Tips:

• Chicken Selection: For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, choose pieces of similar thickness for even cooking. If using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, trim any excess fat and make sure the skin is intact. The skin helps retain moisture while grilling.
• Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating overnight allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in an even more flavorful dish.
• Don’t Overcook: Chicken dries out quickly when overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper internal temperature and avoid dry chicken.
• Basting (Optional): You can reserve some marinade and baste the chicken occasionally while grilling for extra flavor. However, be mindful not to overdo it as the sugars in the marinade can burn easily.
• Serving Suggestions: Grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, potato salad, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.