Best The Best Grilled Chicken Recipes

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THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN



The Best Grilled Chicken image

It may sound simple, but grilling chicken is challenging for many cooks. Too often, it ends up dry and bland or (inexplicably) both burnt and raw! With this recipe we simplified the cooking process, which leads to a smoky, super-juicy bird that is filled with the bright flavors of lemon and herbs. We spatchcocked a whole chicken to increase the surface area that makes contact with the grill and used a generous amount of herb butter to help it self-baste as it gently cooks over indirect heat.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds)
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup parsley leaves, finely chopped
1/4 cup chives, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 small shallot, finely chopped
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Prepare a grill for medium indirect heat: For gas grills (with 3 or more burners), turn all the burners to medium-high heat; after about 15 minutes turn off one of the middle burners and turn the remaining burners down to medium. For charcoal grills, bank one chimney starter-full of lit and ashed-over charcoal briquettes to one side of the grill. Set up a drip pan on the other side to avoid flare-ups (see Cook's Note).
  • To spatchcock the chicken, use strong kitchen scissors or poultry shears to cut down both sides of the backbone. Pull out the backbone, turn the chicken over and press down firmly on the breast to flatten it out to one thickness. Set aside at room temperature (see Cook's Note).
  • Combine the butter, parsley, chives, garlic, shallot, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Starting at the neck, gently slide your fingers under the skin of the chicken to loosen it from the breast meat. Continue to slide you hand down and loosen the skin around the legs, taking care not to tear it. Rub all but 1 tablespoon of the butter mixture under the skin, spreading it all the way down to the legs. Rub the outside of the chicken with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Place the chicken skin-side up on the indirect-heat area of the grill with the legs facing the hotter side. Cover the grill (the lids vents should be partially open) and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) measures 150 to 160 degrees F (almost cooked through), about 50 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to the direct-heat area of the grill. After 2 minutes, flip the chicken to char and crisp up the skin side, another 3 to 4 minutes. Check that the temperature in the thigh is now at least 165 degrees F when not touching bone. If not, move the chicken back to the indirect area, skin-side up, cover and cook until the final temperature of 165 degrees F is reached.
  • Remove the chicken from the grill to a cutting board; let rest 20 minutes before carving.

THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN



The Best Grilled Chicken image

Say goodbye to dry, bland grilled chicken breasts. This recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1¾ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1½ teaspoons lemon zest, from one lemon

Steps:

  • One at a time, place the chicken breasts in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag; using a meat mallet, pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
  • Mix all of the ingredients except for the chicken together in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag (go ahead and use the same one you used for pounding if it is still in good shape). Add the chicken breasts to the bag and massage the marinade into the meat until evenly coated. Seal the bag and place in a bowl in the refrigerator (the bowl protects against leakage); let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the grill to high heat and oil the grates. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Do not overcook. Transfer the chicken to a platter and serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 chicken breast, Calories 413, Fat 25 g, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 42 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sugar 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sodium 958 mg, Cholesterol 127 mg

THE BEST GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS



The Best Grilled Chicken Breasts image

Say good-bye to dry, stringy grilled chicken breast. We've come up with the best method for supremely tender, flavor-packed meat that marinates in 30 minutes and grills in just 10. The key ingredients in the marinade are yogurt and lemon, which deliver a one-two punch of gentle tenderizing and immense flavor -- without making the chicken rubbery like some ultra-acidic marinades can. The yogurt also adheres to the exterior, creating a crispier "crust" that locks in the juiciness. The perfect partner for grilled vegetables or all kinds of potatoes, this chicken is equally delicious chopped and served cold on salads or grain or noodle bowls.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Four 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup plain, full-fat yogurt
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
4 scallions, whites coarsely chopped and greens reserved for serving
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Working with one chicken breast at a time, place the chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound with a meat mallet to 1/2 inch thick then transfer to a large bowl.
  • Combine the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, scallion whites, garlic, olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper to a food processor and process until smooth. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Turn the chicken a few times to coat then submerge in the marinade. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but no more than 3 hours.
  • Meanwhile, heat a grill to medium.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade to a large platter, letting any excess marinade drip back into the bowl. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Grill, covered, flipping once halfway through, until a digital thermometer registers 165 degrees F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  • Thinly slice the scallion greens on a bias and sprinkle over the chicken. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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