Italian Herb Grilled Chicken: Your Ultimate Summer Recipe for Flavorful, Easy Meals

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, there’s nothing quite like the sizzle of the grill and the irresistible aroma of perfectly cooked chicken filling the air. This Italian Herb Grilled Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of summer – a staple that’s incredibly versatile, utterly delicious, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you pair it with a vibrant salad, a comforting pasta dish, or enjoy it solo, this chicken is guaranteed to be a hit.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! We’ve been blessed with fantastic weather lately, and much of our time has been spent cooling off in the pool and firing up the grill. Last night’s dinner was absolutely amazing, a culinary inspiration thanks to my nephew, Ryan, who joined us for a relaxed evening.

Keep an eye out later this week, as I’ll be sharing a truly special recipe Ryan prepared for us: Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon with Tropical Fruit Salsa. It was our very first time experimenting with cedar planks on the grill, and the salmon turned out incredibly flavorful and moist! But before we dive into that, let’s focus on the star of today’s post: this phenomenal Italian Herb Grilled Chicken.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Italian Herb Grilled Chicken Recipe

This Italian Herb Grilled Chicken is simply perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Its simplicity means less time spent slaving over a hot stove and more time enjoying the beautiful summer evenings. We prepared it on the grill and served it alongside a delicious Ina Garten’s Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, making for a meal that felt gourmet without the fuss.

• Explosive Italian Flavors: The blend of aromatic dried herbs creates a robust, savory flavor profile that perfectly complements lean chicken breasts. Each bite is packed with the essence of an Italian kitchen.
• Effortlessly Easy: With minimal prep and quick grilling time, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules. You’ll have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy & Lean Protein: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a fantastic source of lean protein, making this dish a smart choice for anyone looking for a wholesome meal.
• Incredibly Versatile: This isn’t just a main course! The seasoned grilled chicken can be incorporated into countless other dishes, offering endless meal possibilities.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Grill a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have flavorful chicken ready to transform into quick lunches or dinners for days.

Crafting Your Perfect Italian Herb Rub

One of the beauties of this recipe is the customizable herb rub. While I often don’t strictly measure, aiming for approximately equal amounts of each herb and spice yields a fantastic balance. This allows for flexibility and personal preference, ensuring you get the exact flavor intensity you desire.

To create your seasoning blend, simply combine dried oregano, thyme, basil, and garlic powder. Add generous pinches of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix them thoroughly in a small bowl. I always set aside the amount I need for the immediate meal to prevent cross-contamination, then store the remaining Italian herb blend in an airtight container for future grilling adventures. This homemade blend is far superior to many store-bought options and allows you to control the quality and freshness of your spices.

Ingredients Spotlight: The Power of Italian Herbs

• Oregano: Known for its strong, aromatic, and slightly bitter notes, oregano is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine.
• Thyme: Offers a subtle, earthy, and slightly floral flavor that beautifully complements poultry.
• Basil: Provides a sweet, peppery, and fresh aroma, adding brightness to the blend.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a consistent garlic flavor without the sharpness or moisture of fresh garlic, perfect for a dry rub.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and adding a foundational seasoning.

Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken Breasts

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Their lean nature absorbs the herb flavors wonderfully and they cook relatively quickly on the grill. To ensure even cooking, especially if your chicken breasts are thick, I recommend gently pounding them to a uniform thickness, about ¾ to 1 inch. This prevents thinner parts from drying out while thicker parts finish cooking.

Once your chicken breasts are prepped, generously sprinkle both sides with your homemade Italian herb seasoning blend. Don’t be shy – really rub it in to ensure maximum flavor penetration. A light drizzle of olive oil on both sides will help the rub adhere, prevent sticking to the grill grates, and promote beautiful browning, adding an extra layer of flavor and juiciness.

Grilling to Perfection: Tips for Juicy Results

Grilling Italian Herb Chicken is straightforward, but a few key tips will ensure perfectly juicy and flavorful results every time:

1. Preheat Your Grill: Always start with a hot grill. Preheat to medium heat. This helps create those desirable grill marks and prevents sticking.
2. Even Cooking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on the hot grill grates. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the heat of your grill.
3. Check for Doneness: The best way to tell if chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, the juices should run clear when you pierce the chicken with a fork.
4. Rest Your Chicken: This step is crucial! Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and moist chicken. Skipping this step often leads to dry chicken.

Beyond the Plate: Endless Serving Suggestions & Versatility

The beauty of this Italian Herb Grilled Chicken lies in its incredible versatility. This chicken can elevate so many different meals throughout the week:

• With Pasta: As mentioned, it pairs wonderfully with Ina Garten’s Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, but also consider a simple garlic and olive oil pasta, or a vibrant pesto pasta. Slice the chicken and toss it directly into your favorite pasta dish for a complete meal.
• In Salads: This grilled chicken is a fantastic addition to almost any salad. Think a classic Caesar salad, a hearty Greek salad with olives and feta, or a refreshing summer salad with mixed greens, seasonal fruits, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a healthy, satisfying way to add protein.
• For Sandwiches & Wraps: One of my favorite ways to enjoy this chicken for a family dinner is to slice it up, top it with marinara sauce and melty mozzarella or provolone cheese, and throw it on a crusty roll under the broiler for a few minutes to create amazing chicken parmesan sandwiches. My family absolutely LOVES this quick and easy take on a classic. It’s also fantastic simply sliced in a whole wheat wrap with some fresh veggies and a light dressing.
• Grain Bowls: Create wholesome grain bowls by combining sliced grilled chicken with quinoa or brown rice, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
• Pizza Topping: Dice the cooked chicken and use it as a flavorful topping for homemade pizzas.

Meal Prep Made Easy with Batch Grilling

I absolutely love grilling a big batch of these Italian Herb chicken breasts early in the week. It’s a game-changer for meal prep! Having pre-cooked, perfectly seasoned chicken on hand makes throwing together healthy and delicious meals a breeze during busy weekdays. You can slice it, dice it, or shred it and add it to salads, wraps, pasta, or even quick stir-fries throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store any leftover Italian Herb Grilled Chicken, allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to prevent the chicken from drying out. A quick warm-up in a skillet with a splash of broth, in the oven covered with foil, or briefly in the microwave will help maintain its moisture and flavor.

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Italian Herb Grilled Chicken

• Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grill
• Cuisine: Italian

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This Italian Herb Grilled Chicken recipe is a summer staple – pair it up with salad or pasta, or serve on it’s own. It’s delicious!

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Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• olive oil (enough to drizzle over both sides of chicken)

For the seasoning:

• 2 TB dried oregano
• 2 TB dried thyme
• 2 TB dried basil
• 2 TB garlic powder
• good pinches of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine oregano, thyme, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well. Set aside how much you will use for chicken, saving the rest in an airtight container for future use.
2. Lay chicken breasts on a baking sheet or plate. If chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even ¾-1 inch thickness. Sprinkle both sides of chicken generously with the prepared seasoning rub and rub it in. Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the chicken. Place on a hot grill, over medium heat. Grill 5-7 minutes on each side or until done, when an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
3. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or cutting. This is essential for juicy chicken.

More Grilled Chicken Inspiration

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy delicious grilled chicken, check out these fantastic recipes:

This Italian Herb Grilled Chicken is truly a summer essential in our home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. Its vibrant flavors, ease of preparation, and incredible versatility make it a go-to for healthy, delicious meals all season long. Enjoy every flavorful bite!