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Grilled Chicken Breast

Aaron Brown
This Grilled Chicken Breast recipe is a flavorful, juicy, and versatile main dish made two ways—on the outdoor grill or in a cast iron skillet. The chicken is flattened for even cooking and seasoned with either Smokin and Grillin wit AB’s signature A Rub or a bold homemade spice blend. Cooked to perfection in under 15 minutes, this chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, salads, wraps, or meal prep. Includes variations like BBQ, garlic butter, and Tex-Mex styles, plus serving ideas from dirty rice to mac and cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, BBQ Inspired, Southern
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • SnG Food Thermometer
  • Charcoal Grill

Ingredients
  

Version 1: Using AB’s “A Rub”

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Smokin and Grillin wit AB’s A Rub
  • Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Version 2: Homemade Rub Alternative

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Homemade Rub Blend:

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional, adds brightness)

Instructions
 

  • Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound evenly with a meat mallet until they are about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drizzle them with olive oil, then coat both sides evenly with either AB’s A Rub or your homemade seasoning mix.
  • Option A: Grilled Chicken Breast (Outdoor Grill)
    Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
    Oil the grates or brush the chicken lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
    Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
  • Option B: Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Breast
    Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
    Add a light drizzle of oil to the pan.
    Once hot, place seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet.
    Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
    Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Flattening Matters: Don’t skip the step of pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. It ensures they cook uniformly and prevents dry, overcooked edges.
  • Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, keeping each bite moist and flavorful.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: You can season and flatten the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge until you're ready to cook for maximum flavor infusion.
Keyword cast iron chciken breast, chicken skillet recipe, easy chicken dinner, Grilled Chicken, grilled chicken breast, juicy grilled chicken, Level Up A Rub, skillet chicken breast, southern grilled chicken, Weeknight meal
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