Have you ever found yourself drawn to the pleasing aroma of fresh herbs in your garden? If you’ve recently moved into a home like I did last August, you may have discovered hidden gems in your landscape. One such herb that stands out is a bush that smells wonderfully herb-like, similar to sage. Today, we’re going to explore a delightful recipe that includes fresh herbs, perfect for adding flavor and depth to your meals.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe not only celebrates the fresh, herb-like scent of your garden but also showcases the simplicity of cooking with natural ingredients. Making this recipe allows you to appreciate the flavors of fresh herbs, enhance your culinary skills, and create a delicious meal for you and your family or friends. It’s a great way to utilize the herbs you might find in your own backyard!
How to Make Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of fresh herbs (such as sage, thyme, or rosemary)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it on a platter. You can accompany it with a fresh garden salad, grilled vegetables, or even some roasted potatoes. Drizzle a bit of extra lemon juice over the chicken for added flavor. Enjoy your meal with family and friends!
How to Store Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Herb-Infused Grilled Chicken
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on what you have available.
Variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by using other proteins such as fish or tofu. Just modify the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are properly cooked.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
2. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating adds flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and season the chicken directly before grilling.
3. What can I do with the leftover marinade?
It is not safe to reuse the marinade that has touched raw chicken. However, you can make extra marinade and set some aside before adding the chicken if you want to use it as a sauce.
Now, you’re all set to enjoy a mouth-watering dish using fresh herbs right from your garden! Happy cooking!
