Description
Pollo a la Plancha is a classic Spanish-style grilled chicken dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and paprika, then cooked to perfection on a hot grill or grill pan. This simple yet flavorful recipe delivers a delightful balance of smoky and citrusy notes, making it a perfect main course for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and create nice grill marks.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Brush with Marinade: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts generously with the olive oil marinade to infuse flavor and prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked through and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
- Serve: Serve your delicious Pollo a la Plancha with your choice of sides and enjoy a healthy, vibrant meal.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and prevents drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for more intense flavor, but this recipe works well with short marinating time.
- Serve with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
- If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, a skillet over medium-high heat can be used as an alternative cooking method.
