Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is one of those timeless dishes that seems to bring everyone together around the table. It’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, making it a favorite for family gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy weeknight meal. What’s even better? Grilling chicken is super easy! With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of marinating time, you can create a delicious, mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Fun fact: grilling chicken dates back to ancient times when it was a favored method of cooking for flavor and tenderness! If you enjoy the hearty, smoky goodness of grilled chicken, you’ll love trying this fantastic recipe. Plus, it’s an excellent option if you enjoyed our popular BBQ Chicken Wings. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be excited to fire up the grill!
What is Grilled Chicken?
So, what exactly is grilled chicken? You might be surprised to learn that it’s not just about tossing some chicken on the grill and calling it a day. The magic happens in the marinade; imagine herbs, spices, and citrus mingling together, transforming plain chicken into a flavorful delight! Grilled chicken has been a staple at summer cookouts for generations, but did you ever wonder why it’s called “grilled”? The word comes from the Latin word “grillare,” meaning “to cook over heat.” It’s a classic saying that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this grilled chicken recipe will certainly win hearts at your next meal. So, why not give it a try?
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of grilled chicken. First, the star of the show is the flavor; marinating the chicken infuses it with mouthwatering goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Secondly, making grilled chicken at home is budget-friendly—it’s a simple way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank. Lastly, don’t forget about the delicious toppings! Try serving it with fresh herbs, zesty lemon wedges, or even a homemade barbecue sauce. Comparatively, if you’ve tried our flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken, you’ll find that this grilled chicken offers a robust smoky taste that sets it apart. So fire up that grill and get ready for a delightful culinary experience!
How to Make Grilled Chicken
Quick Overview
This grilled chicken recipe is all about simplicity! With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a marinating time of at least 3 hours, you’ll have flavorful chicken ready to sizzle on the grill before you know it. The combination of marinated chicken and the grill’s magic will result in a delicious, juicy meal that your family will adore.
Key Ingredients for Grilled Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable grilled chicken dish:
- 1 kg chicken thighs and legs
- 1/2 cup cane vinegar
- 1/4 cup calamansi or lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb ginger, minced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
- 1/4 cup annatto oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the cane vinegar, calamansi juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, chopped lemongrass, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs and legs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered in white ash.
- Grill the Chicken: Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken on it. Baste the chicken with annatto oil using a brush or spoon to keep it moist. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm with rice and your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy the smoky, tangy flavor of your delicious grilled chicken!
What to Serve Grilled Chicken With:
Grilled chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or even grilled vegetables for added crunch and color. For a heartier option, fluffy rice or garlic mashed potatoes make great accompaniments. Feeling adventurous? A light, citrusy dressing drizzled over a mixed greens salad complements the grilled chicken perfectly. And don’t forget to offer a chilled glass of lemonade or sweet tea to balance out the meal!
Top Tips for Perfecting Grilled Chicken:
To take your grilled chicken to the next level, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Marinate Longer: The longer you allow the chicken to marinate, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for overnight marination if possible.
- Don’t Rush the Grill: Let the chicken get those beautiful grill marks by not flipping it too frequently. Allow it to cook evenly on each side.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. This prevents dry chicken and keeps it juicy.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you want to change things up, try adding different herbs and spices to the marinade based on your taste.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
If you have any leftover grilled chicken, it’s easy to store! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider wrapping individual pieces in foil and freezing them for up to 2 months. When it’s time to reheat, simply place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy the taste of your grilled chicken once more with minimal effort!
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to fire up that grill and bring a delectable Grilled Chicken to your dinner table! Your friends and family will love this dish, and you’ll feel like a grill master in no time. Happy cooking!
Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs and legs
- 1/2 cup cane vinegar
- 1/4 cup calamansi or lemon juice
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 thumb ginger minced
- 1 stalk lemongrass chopped
- 1/4 cup annatto oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- repare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the cane vinegar, calamansi juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, chopped lemongrass, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs and legs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: About 30 minutes before you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered in white ash.
- Grill the Chicken: Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken on it. Baste the chicken with annatto oil using a brush or spoon to keep it moist. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm with rice and your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy the smoky, tangy flavor of your delicious grilled chicken!
- What to Serve Grilled Chicken With:
- Grilled chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad, creamy coleslaw, or even grilled vegetables for added crunch and color. For a heartier option, fluffy rice or garlic mashed potatoes make great accompaniments. Feeling adventurous? A light, citrusy dressing drizzled over a mixed greens salad complements the grilled chicken perfectly. And don't forget to offer a chilled glass of lemonade or sweet tea to balance out the meal!
- Top Tips for Perfecting Grilled Chicken:
- To take your grilled chicken to the next level, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Marinate Longer: The longer you allow the chicken to marinate, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for overnight marination if possible.
- Don't Rush the Grill: Let the chicken get those beautiful grill marks by not flipping it too frequently. Allow it to cook evenly on each side.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. This prevents dry chicken and keeps it juicy.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you want to change things up, try adding different herbs and spices to the marinade based on your taste.
- Storing and Reheating Tips:
- If you have any leftover grilled chicken, it’s easy to store! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider wrapping individual pieces in foil and freezing them for up to 2 months. When it’s time to reheat, simply place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy the taste of your grilled chicken once more with minimal effort!
- Now that you have all the details, it’s time to fire up that grill and bring a delectable Grilled Chicken to your dinner table! Your friends and family will love this dish, and you’ll feel like a grill master in no time. Happy cooking!
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