Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled chicken breast that's packed with creamy, tangy ranch flavor and a punch of garlic - without the guilt! This Healthy Garlic Ranch Grilled Chicken is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering a mouthwatering meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy parent, or simply someone who loves amazing food, this recipe will become your new go-to dish that proves healthy eating never has to be boring.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and even grilling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until ingredients are thoroughly blended and create a smooth marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat. For maximum flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
- Preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F). Clean and lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before marinating to help the seasoning adhere better and promote perfect grill marks.
- Don't rush the marinating process - letting the chicken sit in the Greek yogurt marinade helps tenderize the meat and infuse maximum flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy and tender. This allows the meat's juices to redistribute, preventing dry chicken.
- If you don't have an outdoor grill, a cast-iron grill pan works perfectly - just make sure it's preheated and lightly oiled.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade or as a garnish.
- Meal prep tip: This chicken is fantastic cold in salads or sliced for wraps the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
