Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Embark on a culinary journey with this Moroccan Spiced Grilled Chicken, bursting with exotic flavors and paired with a refreshing Chilled Cucumber Salad. It's a perfect combination of high-protein, low-carb goodness that doesn't compromise on taste.
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried thyme. Mix well to make the marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade. Make sure all pieces are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, marinating for a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator will enhance the flavor.
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Once the grill is hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful.
Garnish with lemon slices or parsley. Serve hot.
Servings 4
Here are a few tips to cook the perfect chicken breasts. Cooking juicy chicken breasts can be a bit of a challenge as they are lean and can dry out easily.
1. Marinate: Marinating the chicken a little longer not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize it. The acid in the marinade (in this case, lemon juice) helps to break down the proteins, leading to a more tender result. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you can marinate for a couple of hours or even overnight, you'll have even better results.
2. Pound the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, pound them to a uniform thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook evenly and reduces the chance of the thinner parts overcooking and drying out before the thicker parts are cooked through.
3. Don't Overcook: Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken. Chicken breast is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and you certainly don't want to undercook chicken either. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to the right temperature.
4. Let it Rest: After cooking, let your chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, leading to a moister result.
5. Grill on Medium Heat: Grilling chicken on too high heat can cause it to dry out. Medium heat allows the chicken to cook more evenly, reducing the risk of drying out.
These tips should help you achieve juicy, flavorful chicken breasts every time!