Medium

Grilled Chicken Breast

Name: Grilled Chicken Breast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 800 g boneless skinless chicken breasts; 60 ml extra virgin olive oil; 45 ml fresh lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (chopped); 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1.5 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp lemon zest

40 min4478 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Grilled Chicken Breast recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Zesty Two‑Zone Sear

“Start with a high‑heat zone for a quick 2‑minute sear on each side, then slide the breasts to the cooler side of the grill and close the lid to finish cooking through. The residual heat finishes the bird evenly, and the brief rest lets the lemon‑thyme juices redistribute for a bright finish.”

About This Recipe

This Grilled Chicken Breast recipe is a staple in many Canadian kitchens, celebrated for its simplicity and incredible flavour. The combination of tender, juicy chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika creates a dish that is both delightful and comforting. Perfect for those busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings, this recipe highlights the beauty of cooking with fresh, local ingredients that are readily available.

Many home cooks adore this dish not just for its ease but also for its versatility. The careful balance of seasonings, like dried oregano and lemon juice, enhances the chicken's natural taste, making it a family favourite. Whether you're serving it with a crisp garden salad or grilled seasonal vegetables, this dish truly embodies the essence of Canadian home cooking, bringing everyone together around the dinner table.

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Breast

To achieve perfectly grilled chicken, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, around 200°C (400°F). Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavours and maintain moisture. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

What to Serve With It

For a delightful Canadian meal, serve your grilled chicken breast alongside a fresh quinoa salad tossed with local vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette. A side of roasted root vegetables or a classic coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the dish perfectly. Don’t forget to pair it with a glass of crisp Canadian white wine or a refreshing craft beer for an elevated experience.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes to avoid drying it out. If you want to freeze the grilled chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

478

Calories

36g

Protein

19g

Fat

42g

Carbs

Fiber3g

Sugar11g

Sodium461mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ensure my grilled chicken doesn't dry out?+

To prevent dryness, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes before grilling. Additionally, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Letting the chicken rest after grilling will also help retain moisture.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?+

While this recipe is designed for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken. However, adjust the cooking time, as bone-in pieces will take longer to reach the same internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

What can I substitute for smoked paprika?+

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika combined with a pinch of cayenne for heat or a bit of liquid smoke to achieve a similar smoky flavour.

Can I grill the chicken on a stovetop grill pan?+

Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan works wonderfully for this recipe. Just ensure it’s hot enough before adding the chicken, and cook it over medium-high heat for the best results.

What are some good sides to serve with grilled chicken?+

Great side dishes include a fresh garden salad, grilled asparagus, or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also pair it with a hearty Canadian grain like barley or farro for a wholesome meal.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

15 min

Cook:

25 min

Total:

40 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Medium

Pro Tips

1Pounding chicken to even thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry edges while the center finishes cooking.
2Don't skip the resting period — cutting immediately causes all the flavorful juices to run out onto the plate instead of staying in the meat.
3For extra smoky flavor, add soaked wood chips (maple or apple work well) to your grill during the indirect cooking phase.
4Make double the marinade and reserve half before adding raw chicken — use it as a finishing sauce by bringing it to a boil for 2 minutes.

Variations

Substitute lime juice and cilantro for lemon and herbs to create a Latin-inspired version.
Add 2 tbsp of honey to the marinade for a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more forgiving, juicier results — increase cooking time by 3-4 minutes.

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by ChickenRecipes.ca

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Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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