Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and form it into a log. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and melt over the chicken.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
- If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly.
- Brush each chicken breast with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want a hot grill to sear the chicken and lock in the juices.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken.
- Avoid flipping the chicken too often. Let it cook undisturbed for the best grill marks.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Butter
- In the last couple of minutes of grilling, add a slice of the chilled garlic butter on top of each chicken breast. Allow it to melt and baste the chicken in flavorful butter.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender chicken breast.
- Serve the grilled chicken breasts with additional slices of garlic butter on the side. The butter will melt with the heat of the chicken, adding more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the garlic butter grilled chicken breast with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or over a bed of pasta or rice.
- For an extra touch of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
Tips
- Marinating: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of garlic before grilling.
- Keeping it Moist: Ensure not to overcook the chicken as it can become dry. Using a meat thermometer can help you cook the chicken perfectly.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the garlic butter, such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful garlic butter grilled chicken breast, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal!