Grilled Chicken Breast

Juicy, not dry. Finally.

tested 2026-07 Specified salt type and doubled the amount - 1 tsp unspecified salt for 2 lb of chicken was underseasoned with kosher.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 4

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (1 tsp if table salt)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

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  1. Pound chicken to even 3/4-inch thickness. This is the most important step for even cooking.
  2. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Coat chicken with oil, then season both sides.
  3. Let chicken sit at room temperature while grill heats.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450°F). Clean and oil grates.
  5. Grill chicken per side. Don't move it - let it develop grill marks.
  6. Check internal temp - pull at 160°F (carryover will bring it to 165°F).
  7. Rest before slicing. This redistributes the juices.

Notes

  • Pounding to even thickness is non-negotiable. Thick parts overcook while thin parts dry out.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer. Guessing = dry chicken.
  • Resting is not optional. Cut too early and all the juice runs out.

When it goes wrong

  • Dry chicken → no thermometer, or skipped pounding; pull at 160°F and let carryover finish it.
  • Burnt outside, raw inside → grill too hot or uneven thickness; 400-450°F and pound to 3/4 inch.
  • Stuck to the grates → grates dirty, cold, or dry; clean, preheat, oil, and don't flip until it releases.

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