Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
with choice of sauce: Lemon caper, chimichurri, lemon herb butter, marsala
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Ingredients
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Chicken
Lemon Caper Sauce (choose if using)
Chimichurri Sauce (choose if using)
Lemon Herb Butter (choose if using)
Marsala Sauce (choose if using)
To Finish / Optional
Method
Chicken
Prep the chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If very thick, butterfly or pound to even thickness (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch) so they cook evenly. Season both sides with 2 tps kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Rub with 3 tbs olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon.
Rest
Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours) to absorb flavors.
Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high (about 425°F / 220°C). Oil the grates lightly. Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side (depends on thickness) until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping more than once. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Lemon Caper Sauce (if chosen)
While chicken rests, melt 3 tbs butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Add 2 tbs capers and 1 tbs chicken stock or white wine; simmer 1 minute to deglaze and reduce slightly.
Stir in 2 tbs fresh lemon juice and simmer 30 seconds. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tbs chopped parsley. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over grilled chicken.
Chimichurri Sauce (if chosen)
In a food processor or by hand, combine 1 cup packed parsley leaves, 2 tsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried), 3 garlic cloves, 2 tbs red wine vinegar, 6 tbs olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pulse/process until finely chopped but not pureed; mixture should be a loose, spoonable sauce.
Taste and adjust salt, vinegar, or oil. Let sit 10 minutes for flavors to meld, then spoon over sliced chicken or serve alongside.
Lemon Herb Butter (if chosen)
In a small bowl, combine 4 tbs softened butter, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tbs minced parsley, 1 tbs minced chives, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Mix until homogeneous. Place a dollop (about 1 tbs) on each hot chicken breast so it melts and creates a glossy finish.
Marsala Sauce (if chosen)
Add 1/2 cup Marsala wine and simmer vigorously 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and burn off alcohol. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock and simmer until sauce reduces by about one-third, 3–5 minutes.
Stir in 2 tbs heavy cream if using to enrich the sauce; simmer 1 minute. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spoon mushrooms and sauce over the grilled chicken.