This grilled chicken is my go-to for summertime grilling, and it couldn’t be any easier! Just two ingredients are needed for perfectly charred and juicy chicken breast every time.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken

My mom’s approach to grilled chicken when I was a kid was marinating it in Italian dressing and tossing it on the grill. As simple as that! And it came out deliciously flavored and juicy. Today, I’ve since swapped bottled Italian dressing for my homemade version, but other than that, the simplicity remains. The oil and vinegar tenderize the chicken, and the Italian seasoning infuses it with flavor. So when summertime grilling season is in full swing, you can opt for my smoky BBQ chicken or this light and fresh Italian dressing-marinated grilled chicken. Better yet, serve up a combination of both! But here’s what you’ll especially love about this light and fresh recipe:

• It’s easier than you think. Whether you’re using an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill, all you need to do is grill the chicken for several minutes on each side. I’ve got more tips below!
• The Italian marinade is SO good. It screams summertime on a plate with its fresh, herby, and zesty flavors. Perfect for making my favorite chicken bacon ranch chopped salad and more.
• It can be prepped ahead of time. I love having frozen marinated chicken on hand during the summer months. Then, I just have to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling it!

Grilled Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: I’m using boneless, skinless chicken breast, but chicken thighs are a great alternative for even juicier results. If you’re chicken is on the thicker side, I suggest pounding it so it cooks evenly.
• Chicken Marinade: Today, I’m going for a fresh Italian flavor with my Italian dressing. If you’re craving a different flavor profile, I’ve got plenty of chicken marinade recipes to choose from!

Find the printable recipe with measurements below

How To Grill Chicken

Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken in a container or bag and pour the Italian dressing on top. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours.

Grill the chicken. Preheat an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 375 to 450°F). Oil the grates, place the chicken on the grill, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Then, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices inside to redistribute.

Way To Serve

• Classic grilled pairings: Round out your plate with other grilled vegetables, like grilled corn on the cob or grilled zucchini.
• Fresh salad pairings: I love pairing this with a Greek salad or Caesar salad during the summer.
• Make your own chicken salad: You can slice this into strips or dice into cubes to make a hearty chicken chopped salad loaded with your favorite leafy greens and salad add-ins. Alternatively, you can make a chicken salad wrap as well!

More Grilling Recipes

• Grilled Shrimp: My favorite for a light and fresh grilling main.
• Grilled Lamb Chops: They come out so juicy and tender.
• Beef Shish Kabobs: The best beef kabob for grilling.
• Or browse through my list of grilling recipes for more ideas!

Behind The Scenes

I absolutely love to grill outdoors in the summer, but if the weather is less than ideal, I’ll still whip up this recipe in my kitchen on a grill pan. Those grill lines somehow trick my brain into thinking the weather is perfectly sunny, even when it’s not, lol. But a grill pan is also a perfect alternative if you live in an apartment or condo and don’t have access to an outdoor grill.