The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet

Marinated in a bold blend of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet is a dish that impresses with its juicy texture and vibrant Mediterranean flavor. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts. Its quick preparation makes it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when you still want to enjoy a delicious meal that’s healthy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with salads, grains, or even stack it in sandwiches for a delightful experience.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and healthy fats from olive oil, this grilled chicken fits perfectly into any balanced diet.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh herbs creates a marinade that elevates the chicken’s taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers are easy to store and reheat, making it great for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Meat mallet
• Resealable bag or shallow bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides an even cooking surface that gives your chicken those desirable grill marks.
• Meat mallet: Helps tenderize the chicken while ensuring even cooking by creating uniform thickness.
• Resealable bag: Makes marinating easier by allowing you to seal in flavors without any mess.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• Oil for greasing grill or grill pan

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How to Make The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a resealable bag or shallow bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Before grilling, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high (375–450°F). Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Discard any remaining marinade. Grill chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 155–160°F.

Step 6: Rest the Chicken

Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise to 165°F during resting.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides like salads or grains for a complete meal.

How to Serve The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet

Serving grilled chicken fillet is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. This juicy and flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and sauces, making it versatile for any occasion.

With Fresh Salads

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
• Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette for a healthy twist.

On Sandwiches

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Stack your chicken on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo for a classic treat.
• Mediterranean Wrap: Wrap the grilled chicken in pita bread with hummus, cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce.
• Avocado Toast: Serve slices of grilled chicken atop avocado spread on whole-grain toast for a trendy meal.

With Dips and Sauces

• Garlic Aioli: A creamy dip that complements the Mediterranean flavors of the chicken beautifully.
• Chimichurri Sauce: A zesty herb sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil that adds freshness to each bite.

How to Perfect The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet

When grilling chicken fillets, small adjustments can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is perfect every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality olive oil enhance the marinade’s flavor significantly.
• Pound Evenly: Ensuring uniform thickness promotes even cooking and prevents dryness.
• Don’t Skip the Marinade Time: Allowing chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps infuse it with rich flavors.
• Preheat the Grill Properly: A well-heated grill ensures that you get those beautiful grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Let It Rest: Resting the chicken after grilling allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

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Best Side Dishes for The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet

Pairing side dishes with your grilled chicken fillet can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this Mediterranean delight perfectly.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender.
2. Couscous Salad: Light couscous tossed with herbs and cherry tomatoes makes for an excellent side.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort to your plate.
4. Steamed Asparagus: Crisp asparagus seasoned lightly brings freshness alongside the chicken.
5. Brown Rice Pilaf: Nutty brown rice cooked with spices provides a hearty base for your dish.
6. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls drizzled with balsamic glaze create a fresh appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Over-marinating: Leaving the chicken in the marinade for too long can break down its texture. Stick to marinating for 30 minutes to 4 hours for the best results.
• Skipping room temperature: Grilling cold chicken can lead to uneven cooking. Always let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling.
• Not preheating the grill: A cold grill can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375–450°F) for optimal results.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Undercooking chicken can be unsafe. Always check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Using too much marinade: Excess marinade can lead to flare-ups on the grill. Let excess drip off before placing the chicken on the grill.
• Cutting immediately after grilling: Slicing into grilled chicken right away lets juices escape, resulting in dry meat. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet

• Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place chicken on a baking sheet. Heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in short intervals until warm, typically 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm chicken slices in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep moisture, heating until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of vinegar for this recipe?

Yes! While balsamic vinegar adds a unique flavor, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.

How do I know when my grilled chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe eating.

What sides go well with The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet?

This dish pairs well with salads, grilled vegetables, or whole grains like quinoa or rice.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

It’s best not to marinate overnight as it may affect the texture of the chicken. Stick within 4 hours maximum for optimal results.

How should I season my grilled chicken?

Besides the marinade, you can sprinkle additional herbs and spices just before grilling for extra flavor if desired.

Final Thoughts

The Best Grilled Chicken Fillet is not only flavorful but also versatile enough to suit any meal occasion. You can easily customize it by changing the herbs or adjusting the marinade ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy delicious, juicy grilled chicken that everyone will love!