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Smoky Citrus Grilled Chicken

This grilled chicken breasts recipe uses a flavorful marinade of lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, and honey to infuse the meat with bright, smoky flavors. Grilled to a golden, slightly charred perfection, the chicken remains juicy and tender, showcasing a vibrant citrus punch and smoky aroma that fills the senses.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Grilled
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts skinless, boneless
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Sharp paring knife
  • Meat thermometer
  • Basting brush

Method
 

  1. Use a sharp paring knife to carefully cut a small pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, honey, and a tablespoon of olive oil to create a vibrant marinade.
    4 pieces chicken breasts
  3. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer for more flavor.
    4 pieces chicken breasts
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, aiming for about 200°C (390°F).
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Brush each piece lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
    4 pieces chicken breasts
  6. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill, and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until they develop a deep golden color and slight charred marks. Listen for a gentle sizzling and smell that smoky aroma.
  7. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—aim for 74°C (165°F). Once reached, remove the chicken from the grill.
  8. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes; this helps retain the juices and keeps it tender.
  9. Slice the chicken if desired, revealing the juicy, smoky interior with a hint of citrus and spice.
    4 pieces chicken breasts
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of extra lemon if you like a little more brightness.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, toss some wood chips on the grill. Marinate the chicken longer for a deeper flavor infusion. Resting the chicken is key to juicy, tender bites.