Simple Grilled Chicken and Veggies
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy Recipes
I love preparing Simple Grilled Chicken and Veggies for a light and satisfying meal. It’s a dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. The grill imparts a delightful smoky flavor to the chicken while keeping it juicy and tender. Pairing it with seasonal vegetables adds not only nutrition but also a delightful crunch. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner, allowing me to enjoy the outdoors while savoring delicious food.
When I first tried grilling chicken and veggies together, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could yield such delicious results. The interplay of smoky chicken and sweet grilled peppers is something you can't replicate in a skillet. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors; it truly elevates the dish.
One tip I’ve learned over the years is to ensure your grill is preheated properly—this way, the chicken gets those beautiful grill marks and the veggies come out perfectly charred. Experimenting with different vegetable combinations always yields cheerful surprises!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and tender chicken with a smoky flavor
- Colorful array of grilled veggies for a healthy twist
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Great for grilling enthusiasts and beginners alike
Perfectly Grilled Chicken
The key to achieving juicy and flavorful grilled chicken lies in the marinade. By allowing the chicken breasts to soak in the mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and oregano for at least 30 minutes, you give the flavors time to penetrate the meat. If time is tight, even a quick 15-minute soak will enhance the flavor, but for the best results, aim for longer. This not only adds richness but also helps to keep the chicken moist during grilling.
When grilling chicken, ensure your grill is preheated sufficiently to create a nice sear on the outside. Ideally, the grill should be at medium-high heat, around 375°F to 450°F. This heat will caramelize the marinade, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust while locking in juices. For a thorough cook, use a meat thermometer: the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, at which point it will be perfectly tender and safe to eat.
Grilling Vegetables to Perfection
Grilling vegetables is an art that can elevate your dish significantly. The goal is to achieve that delightful char while keeping the veggies crisp. Coat the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and onion in olive oil just enough to create a light sheen—this helps them grill evenly and prevents sticking. If you're using a grill basket or skewers, ensure they’re well oiled as well, which makes turning them easier and more effective.
Cook the vegetables until they’re tender and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes depending on cut thickness. Stir them occasionally to achieve an even grill. For a fun twist, consider adding other seasonal options like asparagus or mushrooms, which bring their own unique flavors and textures to the mix. Just remember, denser vegetables may need longer cooking times, so cut them thinner for consistent doneness.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Enjoy your meal!
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the veggies
In another bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until veggies are well coated.
Preheat the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure that it's hot before adding the chicken and veggies.
Grill the chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Grill the veggies
While the chicken is grilling, use a grill basket or skewers for the veggies. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender and slightly charred.
Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken and veggies from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm alongside the grilled veggies.
Enjoy your grilled masterpiece!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables or add a marinade to the veggies for additional flavor. Always keep an eye on the grill to avoid overcooking.
Making It Ahead
If you're planning to serve this grilled chicken and veggies over multiple days, you can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Doing so will not only save time but also enrich the flavor even further before grilling. The vegetables can be prepped a few hours ahead—just keep them covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, you can use a skillet over medium heat or pop them back on the grill for a few minutes to regain that smoky wave without losing texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fresh greens, such as arugula or spinach, to enhance the refreshing summer vibe. You could also whip up a simple vinaigrette to drizzle over the top, creating a delightful contrast with the smoky and savory notes of the chicken and veggies.
For a more filling meal, serve the grilled chicken and veggies with a side of quinoa or brown rice. The nutty flavor of these grains complements the dish beautifully, plus they add a hearty component that balances the lightness of the grilled fare. Don’t shy away from garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving for an extra burst of flavor!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh chicken, as frozen chicken can release too much moisture and affect grilling.
→ What other vegetables can I use?
You can use asparagus, mushrooms, or eggplant. Just ensure they slice evenly for consistent cooking.
→ How can I tell if the chicken is done?
A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked.
→ Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavors even more, just remember to refrigerate it.
Simple Grilled Chicken and Veggies
I love preparing Simple Grilled Chicken and Veggies for a light and satisfying meal. It’s a dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. The grill imparts a delightful smoky flavor to the chicken while keeping it juicy and tender. Pairing it with seasonal vegetables adds not only nutrition but also a delightful crunch. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner, allowing me to enjoy the outdoors while savoring delicious food.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
In another bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until veggies are well coated.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure that it's hot before adding the chicken and veggies.
Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
While the chicken is grilling, use a grill basket or skewers for the veggies. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender and slightly charred.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and veggies from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm alongside the grilled veggies.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables or add a marinade to the veggies for additional flavor. Always keep an eye on the grill to avoid overcooking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 34g