Grilled Chicken with Green Sauce: A Flavorful Recipe for Your Next BBQ

Grilled Chicken with Green Sauce is a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home. This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines succulent grilled chicken with a zesty green sauce that elevates the dish to new heights. The origins of this delightful pairing can be traced back to various culinary traditions, where fresh herbs and spices are celebrated for their ability to enhance the natural flavors of grilled meats.

What I love most about Grilled Chicken with Green Sauce is how it perfectly balances taste and convenience. The juicy, tender chicken pairs beautifully with the bright, herbaceous sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Join me as we explore the steps to create this mouthwatering dish that everyone will adore!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup olive oil (for the sauce)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Preparing the Chicken

1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor. 2. **Preheat the Grill**: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and ashy. For a gas grill, allow it to heat for about 10-15 minutes. 3. **Prepare the Grill Grates**: Once the grill is hot, clean the grates with a grill brush to remove any residue from previous grilling. Then, lightly oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking.

Making the Green Sauce

4. **Blend the Herbs**: In a food processor, combine the parsley, cilantro, mint, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped. 5. **Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice**: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup of olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Continue to blend until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of water. 6. **Set Aside the Sauce**: Transfer the green sauce to a bowl and set it aside. This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Grilling the Chicken

7. **Grill the Chicken**: Once the grill is ready, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing nice grill marks to form. 8. **Flip the Chicken**: After 6-7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts over and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is the best way to ensure it’s cooked through. 9. **Rest the Chicken**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Assembling the Dish

10. **Slice the Chicken**: After resting, slice the grilled chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference. 11. **Serve with Green Sauce**: Drizzle the green sauce generously over the sliced chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. This sauce not only adds a burst of flavor but also a beautiful pop of color to your plate. 12. **Garnish and Enjoy**: For an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with additional fresh herbs or lemon wedges. Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

– **Choose the Right Chicken**: For the juiciest results, opt for chicken breasts that are of even thickness. If they are uneven, consider pounding them to an even thickness before marinating. – **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill**: Make sure there’s enough space between the chicken breasts on the grill. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than grilling, which can affect the texture. – **Use a Meat Thermometer**: This is the

Conclusion:

In summary, this Grilled Chicken with Green Sauce recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of juicy, perfectly grilled chicken paired with a vibrant, herbaceous green sauce creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The freshness of the herbs and the zing from the garlic and lemon in the sauce bring the chicken to life, making every bite a delightful experience. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a light quinoa salad to complement the flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding different herbs to the green sauce, such as cilantro or mint, or even incorporating a bit of heat with some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to make this recipe your own! I genuinely hope you give this Grilled Chicken with Green Sauce a try. It’s a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings a sense of joy to the cooking process. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! Print