This Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe delivers juicy, smoky chicken with beautiful char marks using a simple brine and high-heat grilling technique. It’s the ultimate summer dinner that keeps the kitchen cool and tastes better than any restaurant version. Whether you’re making grilled chicken salad, wraps, or meal prep bowls, this foolproof method guarantees tender, flavorful results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe
✔ Ultra-juicy from a simple brine
✔ Gorgeous golden crust from spice blend
✔ Perfect char marks every time
✔ Great for meal prep
✔ Works with breasts or thighs
✔ Better than restaurant chicken
The secret is the combination of brining and high-heat searing, which locks in moisture and creates that irresistible grilled flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts OR 8 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Simple Brine
- 4 cups warm water
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
Optional:
- Fresh lemon juice
- BBQ sauce for glazing
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
How to Make Easy Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Brine the Chicken
Dissolve kosher salt and brown sugar in warm water.
Add smashed garlic.
Submerge chicken completely.
Brine for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
This step ensures juicy grilled chicken that stays tender even over high heat.
Step 2: Prep & Season
Remove chicken from brine and pat completely dry.
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne.
Rub olive oil over chicken, then coat evenly with spice mixture.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high (375–400°F).
Clean and oil the grates well.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place chicken on hottest part of grill.
Cook 6–7 minutes without moving (for char marks).
Flip and cook 5–6 more minutes.
Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Step 5: Rest
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing.
This redistributes juices and keeps it moist.
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken
• Always pat chicken dry after brining
• Use a meat thermometer
• Don’t flip repeatedly
• Let it rest before cutting
• Oil the grates well
What to Serve With Grilled Chicken
- Grilled corn
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Pasta salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted potatoes
- Summer watermelon salad
FAQs
How do you keep grilled chicken from drying out?
Brine first, cook over medium-high heat, and remove at 165°F.
Can I grill chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay even juicier and are more forgiving.
Can I make this without brining?
Yes, but brining makes a huge difference in tenderness.
How long should grilled chicken rest?
At least 5 minutes before slicing.
Print
Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus brine time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe uses a simple brine and bold spice blend to create juicy, smoky chicken with perfect char marks. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for BBQs, meal prep, and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts (or 8 chicken thighs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Brine:
4 cups warm water
1/4 cup kosher salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Instructions
1. Dissolve kosher salt and brown sugar in warm water. Add smashed garlic and submerge chicken. Brine for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Remove chicken from brine and pat completely dry.
3. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne in a small bowl.
4. Rub chicken with olive oil and coat evenly with spice mixture.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Clean and oil grates.
6. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes without moving. Flip and cook 5-6 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.