The Best Grilled Chicken You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality)

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken Breast (about 8 oz each, skinless, boneless)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (for dry brine)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for oiling grill and chicken)
• 1 wedge Lemon (for serving, optional)
• 2 cups Mixed Greens (simple salad to serve alongside)

Instructions

1. Trim and Pound

   Trim any visible fat, cartilage, or blood lines from the chicken breasts. Place each breast between a Ziploc bag and a piece of plastic, then gently pound with the flat side of a meat mallet until the thickness is even (about ½‑inch thick).

   Time: PT5M

2. Dry Brine

   Sprinkle each side of the chicken with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper. Flip and season the other side. Place the breasts on a rack, cover loosely, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours).

   Time: PT35M

3. Preheat and Clean Grill

   Turn the grill (or grill pan) to high heat and preheat for 15 minutes. While heating, brush the grates with a paper towel dabbed in olive oil to prevent sticking.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 450°F

4. Light Oil and Final Pepper

   Pat the chicken dry, drizzle a little olive oil on each side, and add a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

   Time: PT2M

5. First Side Grill

   Place the chicken on the grill at the 11‑o’clock position. Grill for about 5 minutes, watching for dark grill marks.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 450°F

6. Second Side Grill & Check Temp

   Rotate the chicken to the 2‑o’clock position and grill the other side for another 5 minutes. Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part; remove when it reaches 150‑155°F.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 450°F

7. Rest

   Transfer the chicken to a wire rack placed near the warm grill and let rest for 5‑7 minutes.

   Time: PT7M

8. Slice and Serve

   Slice the chicken on a diagonal, arrange on a plate, and serve with a simple mixed‑green salad tossed with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon wedge, and a pinch of salt.

   Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

260

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

2 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

0 g