If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful chicken recipe, Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken is the answer. This straightforward dish showcases the delightful combination of olive oil and lemon, creating a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. With the option to include parsley and garlic for added depth, this recipe proves that home cooking can be both easy and exceptionally tasty.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal choice for new cooks who are just starting their culinary journey. Additionally, this versatile recipe serves as a blank canvas for various flavoring ideas, allowing you to experiment and discover new combinations that suit your taste buds. Whether you prefer the convenience of broiling or the smoky charm of grilling, this dish will become a go-to favorite for delicious and hassle-free meals.
MAKES: 4 servings
TIME: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- About 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless white-meat chicken (breasts, cutlets, or tenders), pounded to uniform thickness if necessary and blotted dry
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 or 4 cloves garlic, slivered (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat a charcoal or gas grill or a broiler to medium heat and put the rack 4 inches from the heat source. If you’re broiling, put the chicken in the pan in which you’ll cook it and toss with the oil, garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. If you’re grilling, do the same in a pan or on a plate. For enhanced flavor, you can cover and set it aside for an hour to allow the seasonings to develop.
- Grill or broil the chicken very quickly, turning once, for no more than 3 to 4 minutes per side. To check for doneness, cut into a piece with a thin-bladed knife; the center should be white or slightly pink. Sprinkle with lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
11 MORE WAYS TO VARY GRILLED OR BROILED BONELESS CHICKEN:
Explore various flavoring options to add exciting twists to your Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started:
- Mediterranean Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken: Use cracked or ground pepper (or a combination with ground coriander seeds) along with minced garlic. Garnish with chopped fresh oregano and serve with Sweet Potatoes, Simply Cooked or Socca.
- Herbed Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken: Mix extra virgin olive oil with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chervil, basil, dill, tarragon, mint, or any other you have on hand. Serve with Sautéed Mushrooms and Mashed Potatoes.
- Spiced Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken: Create a flavorful mix using ground cumin, ground allspice, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, cayenne, and freshly grated nutmeg, or any other spice mixture of your choice. Serve with Dry-Pan Eggplant drizzled with Yogurt Sauce or Tahini Sauce.
- Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken, North African Style: Combine olive oil with honey, dry sherry (or a substitute), ground cumin, and garlic. Serve with Collards or Kale with Tahini or Simple White or Whole Wheat Couscous.
- Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken with Tarragon Mustard: Melted butter mixed with chopped fresh tarragon and Dijon mustard adds a delightful twist. Serve with Potato Gratin and Slow-Cooked Green Beans.
- Curried Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken: Yogurt combined with curry powder creates a rich and aromatic flavor. Serve with cooked basmati rice and any Yogurt Sauce.
- Parmesan Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken: Use mayonnaise with lemon juice, grated lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve over pasta with Fast Tomato Sauce or on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of Balsamic Syrup or Vinaigrette.
- Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken with Thai Flavors: Coconut milk and peanut butter with a pinch of hot red pepper flakes or cayenne offer a taste of Thai cuisine. Serve over reconstituted and drained bean thread or rice vermicelli, tossed with Thai Chile Sauce and garnished with slices of raw carrot, bell pepper, and scallion.
With these flavorful variations, you can elevate your Grilled or Broiled Boneless Chicken into a diverse and delightful array of dishes, ensuring you never get tired of this simple and scrumptious recipe. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings to find your personal favorite, and savor the incredible flavors that home cooking can achieve with ease.
