Juicy Grilled Chicken with Brown Sugar & Soy Marinade
Say goodbye to dry, flavorless chicken! This simple 25-minute recipe uses a sweet and savory liquid marinade to create a sticky, caramelized crust and tender, juicy meat every single time.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
- 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
- 3 tbsp brown sugar firmly packed
- 3 tbsp soy sauce standard dark variety
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest freshly grated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley leaves chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves chopped
- 1 tsp salt Kosher salt preferred
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic fresh cloves only
Instructions
- Whisk olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
- Place chicken in a large resealable bag, pour in marinade, and massage to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 8 hours).
- Preheat grill to medium heat and oil the grates. Remove chicken from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.
- Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side. Flip only once and avoid moving it to ensure proper caramelization.
- Using a digital thermometer, pull the chicken off the grill exactly when it hits 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken on a cutting board for 5 full minutes before slicing against the grain.
Notes
Pro Tip: Always pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating to ensure the thin ends don't dry out while the thick centers cook!