Summertime Fine Grilled Chicken

Written By Ashley James

It’s summertime (maybe the hottest I’ve experienced ever), and I’ve been bouncing around the country by plane & automobile. I manage to find myself at the pool at least 3 times a week but I have been eating everything!!! I don’t know any other way to travel & live! lol. So when I cook for myself and friends at home, I have to find ways to keep what we eat healthy & swimsuit ready. Grilling is the best way to do that!

I have a few staple recipes and some showstoppers that I will share with you over the course of the summer. Starting with my summertime fine grilled chicken. Also known as Herbed Grilled Chicken lol. This is great if you are entertaining, or meal prepping.

Herbed Grilled Chicken

Ingredients

  • 5 lbs Chicken pieces

    I choose whichever pieces of chicken I’m craving. Boneless skinless breast are the leanest, but I do skin on wings & thighs most of the time.

    Marinade

  • 1/3 cup lemon juice (save the zest of the lemon for garnish

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped herbs (plus a little extra for garnish)

    I like to do a mix of cilantro, parsley, oregano & thyme. However, that often changes depending on what I already have and my mood. lean into personal preferences here!

  • 2 - 4 cloves of garlic, finely grated

    How garlicky do you like your chicken?? I lean on the stronger side but if you don’t, just do 2 cloves. I also use a zester to grate my garlic… this way it spreads evenly on the chicken.

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • Finely chopped herbs

  • lemon zezt

  • lemon or lime wedges

Instructions

  • Place your chicken in a 13 X 9 inch pan

    a gallon ziploc bag or bowl will suffice as well

  • Mix all ingredients together and rub all over the chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for 4 hours and up to over night. The longer the more flavor!!

  • When ready to cook, turn your grill on to high. Once it is high and has been on for a few min, clean any leftover bits from the last time you grilled if need be.

    • ** You can pan fry or chicken or bake in the oven. It will be just as delicious If you choose to bake, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

  • Turn the grill down to medium low and salt your chicken on both sides. Place the chicken one by one onto the grill, skin side or presentation side down. Be careful not to overcrowd your grill.

    • You do not need to add oil to your grill as there is plenty in the marinade.

    • Save the excess marinade left when you take the chicken out.

  • Grill (pan fry or bake) your chicken until golden brown on each side

  • Once you flip the chicken, use a pastry brush to put on the marinade left behind.

  • Resist turning your chicken over too many times. Once its golden on one side, turn it over. Be sure to watch your grill. There may be hot spots so you can move your chicken around if it is not getting golden brown enough or if it is cooking too fast (ie. burning).

  • It should take no longer then around 10 minutes per side. Larger pieces & thighs may take a bit longer.

  • If you are not comfortable with eye balling if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165 degrees F when cooked to perfection!

  • Once the chicken is done, garnish with excess herbs & lemon zest. I like to cut a few pieces of lemon or lime for people to add as they choose.

What to pair with your chicken??

Anything you want!! But to stay in theme with being summertime fine… I like to stick with seasonal vegetables I can throw on the grill. If you need something a bit heavier, try grilled sweet potato slices. Just toss them in a little olive oil, salt & pepper. Once done, drizzle with a little bit of honey!!

ENJOY!!!

Ashley James