Armenian Herb Marinade Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipes
Chicken is a versatile and healthy source of protein, and it can be cooked in countless ways. Grilling chicken breasts is a popular cooking method, especially during the summer months when people love to gather outside and enjoy a barbecue. To add a burst of flavor, Armenian herb marinade can be used.
What is Armenian Herb Marinade?
Armenian herb marinade is a combination of spices and herbs commonly used in Armenian cuisine. The marinade consists of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, basil, thyme, and salt. The combination of these ingredients creates a bold and flavorful marinade that can bring out the taste of grilled chicken.
How to Prepare Armenian Herb Marinade Grilled Chicken Breast
To prepare Armenian herb marinade grilled chicken breast, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2. Garlic cloves
3. Fresh parsley
4. Fresh basil
5. Fresh thyme
6. Olive oil
7. Salt
8. Lemon juice
The Preparation
1. Gather all the required ingredients in one place.
2. Begin by washing the chicken breasts and patting them dry.
3. Peel and chop the garlic cloves into small pieces and set them aside.
4. Rinse the fresh parsley, basil, and thyme, and chop them into small pieces.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, basil, thyme, garlic, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir the ingredients to make a homogenous mixture.
6. Using a knife, make a series of diagonal slits on both sides of the chicken breasts. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl.
7. Pour the Armenian herb marinade over the chicken breasts, making sure it covers them entirely. Use your hands to rub the marinade into the chicken to ensure it's well-coated.
8. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The longer the chicken marinate, the stronger the taste.
Grilling the Chicken
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Take out the chicken breasts from the bowl and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before grilling.
3. Using tongs, place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Allow them to cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they form grill marks.
4. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure its internal temperature is a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
6. Slice the chicken breasts across the grain and serve them while hot.
Serving Suggestions
Armenian herb marinade grilled chicken breast can be served with different side dishes. Some popular options include:
1. Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
2. Salads such as Greek salad, Caesar salad, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.
3. Rice dishes like pilaf or seasoned rice.
4. Grilled bread or pita.
Final Words
Armenian herb marinade grilled chicken breast is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a regular dinner. The marinade made with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, basil, thyme, and salt add a bold flavor that makes the chicken stand out. With the right preparation and grilling techniques, you can savor the taste of juicy and tender chicken with a delicious aroma.
Chicken breasts are one of the easiest and most popular meats to grill. They are a healthy and versatile protein that can be paired with numerous side dishes. Armenian herb marinade adds a unique and flavorful twist to grilled chicken breasts. The marinade is made with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a fragrant and herbaceous flavor that permeates the chicken. In this article, we will look at valuable tips to consider when making Armenian herb marinade grilled chicken breasts.
1. Choose the right chicken breasts
When making Armenian herb marinade grilled chicken breasts, it is important to choose the right chicken breasts. You want to choose chicken breasts that are of similar size and thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and that the herbs and spices are distributed evenly. It is also important to remove any excess fat or skin. This helps to ensure that the chicken is healthier and that the marinade can penetrate the meat evenly.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts before marinading
Before marinading the chicken, it is important to prepare it properly. You want to rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any bacteria and ensures that the marinade adheres well to the chicken. You should also score the chicken breasts with a sharp knife. This helps to create small pockets in the chicken that allow the marinade to penetrate the meat more easily.
3. Marinade the chicken breasts for at least 2 hours
To ensure that the chicken is infused with the flavors of the Armenian herb marinade, it is important to marinate it for at least 2 hours before grilling. However, for even better results, you can marinate the chicken breasts for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat and creates a more flavorful and juicy chicken.
4. Preheat your grill
Preheating your grill is an important step when making Armenian herb marinade grilled chicken breasts. This ensures that the grill is hot enough to sear the outside of the chicken and lock in the juices. The ideal temperature for grilling chicken breasts is between 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
5. Use indirect heat
When grilling chicken breasts, it is important to use indirect heat. This means that you should only heat up one side of the grill and place the chicken on the other side. This prevents the chicken from burning and promotes even cooking. It also helps to ensure that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
6. Monitor the internal temperature of the chicken
To ensure that the chicken is properly cooked, it is important to monitor its internal temperature. The ideal temperature for grilled chicken breasts is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. Additionally, you should flip the chicken breasts occasionally to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.
7. Let the chicken rest before cutting
After grilling the Armenian herb marinade chicken breasts, it is important to let them rest before cutting them. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes the chicken more tender and flavorful. You should let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing it.
8. Garnish the chicken with fresh herbs
To add an extra pop of flavor and color to the grilled chicken breasts, you can garnish them with fresh herbs. Chopped parsley, basil, or cilantro are all excellent choices. Simply sprinkle them over the chicken breasts before serving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Armenian herb marinade grilled chicken breasts are a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these valuable tips, you can ensure that your chicken turns out tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you are grilling for a family dinner or a summer barbecue, these tips will help you to create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
