Best 8 Mesquite Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes

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Mesquite grilled chicken breast is a classic dish that offers both flavor and tenderness. The smoky and slightly sweet flavor of mesquite wood chips imparts a unique taste to the chicken, while the moist and tender texture of the breast meat makes it a favorite among chicken lovers. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a beginner, this versatile dish can be easily prepared at home with a few simple ingredients and techniques. In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious mesquite grilled chicken breast that will impress your family and friends. From selecting the right chicken breast to choosing the best marinades and rubs, we'll cover everything you need to know to achieve perfectly cooked chicken with a tantalizing mesquite flavor.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

MESQUITE GRILLED CHICKEN



Mesquite Grilled Chicken image

Provided by Jodi

Time 39m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons mesquite-flavored liquid smoke
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 to 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Steps:

  • In a small bowl or pyrex measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, brown sugar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper.
  • Place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag and pour the marinade in. Seal the bag and squish the chicken and marinade around. Let it marinate in the fridge for 2 hours or up to 24 hours (the longer the better)
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove from the grill and put on a plate and cover it with foil for about 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Slice it up and enjoy it.

SIMPLY GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS



Simply Grilled Chicken Breasts image

Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network

Time 52m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Roasted Tomato and Onion Dipping Sauce, recipe follows, optional
5 Roma tomatoes, halved (about 1 pound)*
1 yellow or white onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 to 2 tablespoons water
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, mix the vegetable oil with the smashed garlic, using a fork to help release the garlic flavor into the oil. Season the garlic mixture with salt, and pepper, to taste. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prep the chicken breasts. Rinse and dry the chicken thoroughly. Find the ridge along the side of the chicken breast, and carefully pull off the tender. Take each breast and pound gently to an even thickness. Do not pound too thin; the breast will not be completely uniform. If there is a skinny little triangular tip, go ahead and cut off and discard. Prep the tenders by slicing off any jagged edges. Liberally salt and pepper the chicken and allow to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the grill to hot.
  • Once the chicken has rested, brush liberally with the garlic-infused vegetable oil. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill, with the thicker portion facing the hotter part of your grill (usually the back). Allow the chicken breasts to cook undisturbed until char marks are made, about 4 minutes. Flip the chicken, keeping the thick part of the chicken toward the hot part of the flame, and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the chicken reads 155 degrees F, about 3 more minutes. Place the chicken tenders on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes total, turning halfway through. Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, covered, before serving.
  • Serve with Roasted Onion Tomato and Onion Dipping Sauce, if using.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
  • Place the halved tomatoes, onions, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with half the olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper. Toss to coat well. Place the tomatoes cut-side down, and cook for 2 hours turning the tomatoes after 1 hour. After the second hour, remove the baking sheet, and set aside the unpeeled garlic. Place the rest of the vegetables and the pan juices in a food processor or blender. Add a tablespoon or two of water to the pan to scrape up any bits of flavor stuck onto the baking sheet and add to the food processor. Squeeze out the soft flesh of the roasted garlic into the food processor and add the remaining olive oil. Pulse the mixture until chunky, or puree until smooth, depending on desired consistency. Taste the sauce and season with salt, and pepper, if necessary.
  • Yield: about 1 1/4 cups
  • *Cook's Note: The tomatoes do not have to be "good" tomatoes.

PERFECT GRILLED CHICKEN



Perfect Grilled Chicken image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 8h50m

Yield 24 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups olive oil
6 tablespoons honey
3 heaping tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons ground thyme
2 teaspoons ground oregano
Juice of 12 lemons
24 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Steps:

  • Mix together the olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, thyme, oregano and lemon juice in a large shallow container.
  • Pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness and add them to the marinade. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 8 hours.
  • Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken in batches until golden brown on the first side, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side and cooked all the way through, another 4 to 5 minutes. Let the chicken cool.
  • Transfer the chicken to freezer bags individually and in pairs, so it's easy to defrost the exact amount you need.

LEMON AND THYME GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS



Lemon and Thyme Grilled Chicken Breasts image

These classic herb and lemon-seasoned chicken breasts will win over fans, especially when cooked over charcoal to give them the deepest, smokiest taste. For dark meat lovers, this recipe will also work with boneless, skinless thighs, though you might have to add a minute or so to the cooking time. Or use a combination of breasts and thighs and make everyone happy.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     barbecues, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped thyme leaves
4 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
2 lemons, as needed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
Torn basil or mint leaves, as needed

Steps:

  • Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Using a mallet or rolling pin, pound each to an even thickness of 1/2 inch. Do not make them any thinner or they could dry out.
  • Place chicken in a large bowl and toss with salt, pepper, thyme, garlic and the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Mix in olive oil. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours. Remove chicken from fridge while you heat the grill.
  • Light the grill, building a hot fire, or heat your gas grill to high. Once grill is fully heated, brush breasts lightly with olive oil and place chicken on the grill. Cook until undersides are browned and chicken is about halfway cooked, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip breasts and grill until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes more.
  • Transfer chicken to a platter. Drizzle with oil and garnish with additional lemon juice, olive oil and basil or mint leaves.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 282, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 39 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 496 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

MESQUITE GRILLED CHICKEN



Mesquite Grilled Chicken image

For smoky, bold flavor, try this easy grilled chicken recipe. Shake McCormick® Grill Mates® Mesquite Rub onto chicken. Grill. Devour.

Provided by Grill Mates

Categories     Entrees,

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 whole chicken (about 5 pounds)
1 tbsp olive oil
8 tbsps grill mates mesquite rub divided

Steps:

  • Prepare grill for indirect medium heat (325°F to 375°F). Preheat grill by turning all burners to high with lid closed. Turn off burner(s) on one side of the grill. Turn burner on the other side to medium.Note: To maintain medium heat (325°F to 375°F), keep lid closed and adjust lit burner as necessary. Directions were developed using a gas grill. Grills vary; cooking time is approximate.
  • Brush chicken with oil. Season cavity with 1 tablespoon of the Rub. Sprinkle remaining Rub evenly over surface of chicken. Place chicken, breast side up, on unlit side of grill. Close lid.
  • Grill chicken 1 1/2 hours or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thigh).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 Calories

QUICK GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST



Quick Grilled Chicken Breast image

These grilled chicken breasts are great for a no-fuss, weeknight meal. Great served with rice and a salad.

Provided by meg

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
⅛ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Lightly coat each chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle each side of the chicken lightly with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; rub to coat evenly.
  • Cook on the preheated grill until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 10 to 15 minutes, flipping each breast only once halfway through cooking time. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.4 calories, Carbohydrate 1.8 g, Cholesterol 64.6 mg, Fat 9.7 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 102.6 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

MESQUITE LIME CHICKEN SANDWICH



Mesquite Lime Chicken Sandwich image

Under $2.25 per serving. A mesquite-marinated chicken breast is grilled then topped with melted cheese, bacon and all the trimmings -- it's a feast on a bun!

Provided by McCormick Kitchens

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 24m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (1 ounce) package McCormick® Grill Mates® Mesquite Marinade
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds)
8 small club rolls
8 lettuce leaves
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
8 slices crisply cooked bacon (optional)
8 slices American cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Mix Marinade Mix, lime juice, honey and oil in small bowl. Place chicken in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well.
  • Refrigerate 15 minutes or longer for extra flavor. Remove chicken from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.
  • Grill over medium heat 6 to 7 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through, turning frequently. Serve chicken on toasted rolls with lettuce and tomatoes. Top with bacon, cheese and condiments, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 358.6, Fat 9, SaturatedFat 1.5, Cholesterol 75.5, Sodium 455.6, Carbohydrate 36.9, Fiber 2, Sugar 6.4, Protein 31.3

LEMON PEPPER MESQUITE GRILLED CHICKEN (SOUTHWEST)



Lemon Pepper Mesquite Grilled Chicken (Southwest) image

This is a very easy recipe that produces spectacular results. The citrus juice tenderizes and the lemon flavor, combined with the mesquite is to die for. This works with any cut of chicken--breasts to wings. Prep time does not include time to marinate.

Provided by Pokey in San Antonio

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 1h10m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 lbs chicken
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons black pepper (coarse ground)
1 tablespoon salt

Steps:

  • Wash and pat dry chicken pieces, and place in plastic bag.
  • Pour lemon juice and olive oil over chicken, seal, and marinate for 3 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Remove from bag, discard marinate, and sprinkle liberal amounts of coarse ground black pepper and salt.
  • Cook chicken on grill, using indirect heating method, or a smoker using charcoal briquettes and mesquite chunks. Whole chicken breasts will take about an hour (in a Webber). Smaller pieces will take less time.
  • When done, serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.5, Fat 56.9, SaturatedFat 10.9, Cholesterol 103.5, Sodium 1261.4, Carbohydrate 4.9, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 1, Protein 26.1

Tips:

  • Use a flavorful marinade. The marinade will help to infuse the chicken with flavor and keep it moist during grilling. Some good options include a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, or a yogurt-based marinade with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help to create a nice sear on the outside of the chicken while cooking it evenly throughout.
  • Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly. You can check if the chicken is cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Mesquite grilled chicken breast is a delicious and healthy main course that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad. The marinade and cooking method used in this recipe help to create a flavorful and juicy chicken breast that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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