1-First Step: Pound the Chicken for Even Thickness Take one chicken breast at a time and place it inside a 1-gallon zip-lock bag. Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or saucepan bottom to pound it to an even ½-inch thickness. This key step ensures uniform cooking so no parts dry out. Work carefully to avoid tears; the bag keeps splatter minimal. Repeat for all 1¾ lbs. Why bother? Even thickness means tender, juicy grilled chicken recipes that cook in just minutes. Takes about 10 minutes total.

2-Second Step: Mix the Marinade and Coat the Chicken In the same bag or a new one, combine 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1¼ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1½ teaspoons lemon zest. Zest finely with a microplane, skipping the bitter white pith. Add the pounded chicken breasts, massage well to coat every piece evenly. Seal the bag, squeeze out air, and place in a bowl in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. The oil and zest tenderize without making it leathery. Pro tip: Flip the bag halfway for even marinating.

3-Third Step: Preheat and Prep the Grill Fire up your grill to high heat, around 450-500°F. Clean the grates and oil them lightly with a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs. High heat sears the outside fast while keeping insides juicy. If using charcoal, let coals glow white-hot. Gas? Crank all burners. This setup gives those crave-worthy char marks on your grilled chicken recipes.

4-Fourth Step: Grill the Chicken Lay the chicken on the oiled grates. Cover the grill and cook 2-3 minutes per side. Flip only when it releases naturally; forcing it tears the skin. Don’t overcook aim for 160°F internal temp. Total grill time: 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a platter immediately.

5-Final Step: Rest and Serve Let the chicken rest 3-4 minutes tented with foil. Juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. Slice against the grain and serve over salads, on buns, or solo. Pairs great with grilled vegetables with a zesty marinade for a full meal.