If you love grilled chicken, you might be wondering how to cook boneless chicken breast on a BBQ so that it is juicy and tender. Chicken breast is a lean cut of meat that can easily dry out or become tough if not cooked properly. I know I have struggled with it in the past, so don’t feel alone in this challenge. But with some simple tips and tricks, you can achieve delicious results every time.

A GOOD MARINADE

One of the secrets to juicy grilled chicken breast is to use a marinade. A marinade is a mixture of liquid and seasonings that adds flavor and moisture to the meat. It also helps to tenderize the meat by breaking down some of the proteins. You can use any marinade you like, but here is a simple and tasty recipe that works well with chicken that will be enough for 2-4 chicken breasts:

- 1/4 cup of soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons of honey

- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice

- 3 tablespoons of olive oil

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano

- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

To make the marinade, whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or a shallow baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is well coated and turn it occasionally to distribute the marinade evenly. Often the recommendation is to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours, but I prefer over-night marinades. Then flip the breasts in the morning and put them back in the refrigerator. Take them out about 20 minutes before you’re ready to grill and let them sit at room temperature.

GRILLING TIME

When you are ready to grill, preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat (425°F) and oil the grates lightly. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning once, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

SERVE THE CHICKEN

Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist. Garnish it with basil and orange slices for a pleasant presentation.

Enjoy your juicy grilled chicken breast with your favorite side dishes or salads.

This is an opinion article by Guido Piraino of  The Monthly Social Podcast. It may also be heard on The Path Radio Mix Online. You can read other opinion articles on the blog page. You may also enjoy video content of The Monthly Social Podcast on YouTube or The Path Radio Mix on YouTube.  For sports content, please consider The Coach's Call YouTube Podcast.