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Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast

Serves 4 Entree chicken, Poultry

Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast

Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast is a staple for Mediterranean home cooks, a dish that thrives on the simplicity of fresh ingredients. With olive oil always within reach and lemons ready to be squeezed, it captures the essence of everyday cooking by the sea. This recipe isn't about elaborate techniques; it's about letting the flavors of the garden shine through in a way that feels effortlessly generous.

Expect a burst of freshness with every bite. The chicken, tender and juicy, carries the subtle zing of lemon and the earthiness of oregano, thyme, and parsley. Garlic adds a gentle kick, balanced by the smooth richness of extra virgin olive oil. Black pepper and sea salt round out the flavor, making this dish a true celebration of its ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 4chicken breasts
  • 60 mlextra virgin olive oil
  • 2lemons
  • handfuloregano, thyme, parsley
  • 3 clovesgarlic
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the marinade. In a medium bowl, combine 60 ml of extra virgin olive oil, the juice of 2 lemons, a handful of chopped oregano, thyme, and parsley, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Add fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. This mixture will infuse the chicken with the bright, fresh flavors characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
  2. Place the 4 chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken.
  3. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Meanwhile, preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately.
  4. Once the pan is ready, add a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to coat the surface lightly. Place the chicken breasts on the grill pan, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the grill.
  5. Check for doneness by slicing into the thickest part of one breast; the meat should be opaque and the juices should run clear, with no pink remaining. The exterior should have a nice golden-brown color with visible grill marks, indicating a good sear.
  6. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat. Taste a small piece and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.