Quick & Easy Grilled Chicken Cutlets Recipe: Rosemary, Garlic, and Lemon Flavors

Discover the secret to juicy, flavorful grilled chicken that’s ready in a flash!

Craving a delicious, healthy meal but short on time? Look no further! This quick and easy grilled chicken recipe packs a punch of flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and a few clever techniques, you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner on the table in no time.

The Magic of Multi-Tasking Marinade

Our flavor-packed marinade does double duty as both a seasoning and a finishing sauce. A zesty blend of minced garlic, fresh rosemary, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil infuses the chicken with bright, herbaceous notes. By reserving half of the mixture, you’ll have a delicious sauce to drizzle over the finished dish, elevating the flavors even further.

Thin is In: The Power of Chicken Cutlets

Say goodbye to long cooking times! By using thin chicken cutlets, we slash the grilling time to just 5 minutes. This not only gets dinner on the table faster but also ensures your chicken stays juicy and tender. Don’t worry about dryness – our clever cooking method takes care of that.

Skip the Wait: Instant Marinade Magic

No time for a long marinade? No problem! Our recipe proves that you can achieve big flavor in seconds. Simply coat the chicken in the marinade right before grilling for maximum impact with minimum effort.

The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Grilled Chicken

Here’s where the magic happens. We use a unique unilateral cooking method that results in perfectly browned, smoky-flavored chicken that stays incredibly juicy. By cooking the cutlets almost entirely on one side, we achieve a beautiful crust while gently cooking the interior. A quick flip at the end ensures even cooking without sacrificing moisture.

Master this technique, and you’ll have a go-to meal that’s faster, healthier, and more delicious than any takeout option. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Zesty 5-Minute Grilled Chicken Cutlets with Rosemary, Garlic, and Lemon

Ingredients

• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons fresh juice from 2 lemons
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5 to 7 ounces each), cut into 8 cutlets

Directions

1. Prepare your grill for high-heat cooking. For a charcoal grill, light a full chimney of charcoal. Once the coals are covered with gray ash, arrange them on one side of the grill. Set the grate in place and preheat for 5 minutes. For a gas grill, set half the burners to high heat, cover, and preheat for 10 minutes. Clean and oil the grate before cooking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer half of this flavorful mixture to a separate container and set aside – this will be your finishing sauce. Add the chicken cutlets to the bowl with the remaining marinade, turning to coat each piece thoroughly.
3. Place the marinated chicken cutlets directly over the hot side of the grill. Cover and cook, rotating the pieces occasionally (but not flipping them) until the chicken is almost completely cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when only a few pink spots remain on the top side, which usually takes about 4 minutes. Quickly flip the cutlets and cook on the second side just until done, about 30 seconds. Transfer your perfectly grilled chicken to a serving platter. Re-whisk the reserved marinade and drizzle it over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick, delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For perfectly even cutlets, check out our complete guide on cutting chicken breasts into cutlets. This simple technique ensures uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.