Elevate Your Grilling Game: How to Make Butterfly Chicken with Herbs and Infused Olive Oil
Summer is in full swing, and the smell of grilled chicken wafting from your backyard is the perfect accompaniment to a warm evening. But, when it comes to grilling chicken, it's easy to get stuck in a rut, serving up the same old recipe over and over.
That's why we're excited to share a game-changing technique that will take your grilled chicken to the next level: butterfly chicken with herbs and infused olive oil. This method not only yields incredibly tender and flavorful chicken, but it's also surprisingly easy to execute. So, fire up the grill and get ready to elevate your grilling game.
Butterflying chicken may seem like a daunting task, but trust us, it's a technique that's well worth the extra effort. By removing the backbone and flattening the chicken, you create a larger surface area that's perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors of your herbs and olive oil. To get started, you'll need a few simple ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, prepare your chicken by removing the backbone and flattening each breast into a thin, even layer.
You can use a pair of kitchen shears to remove the backbone, or ask your butcher to do it for you.Once your chicken is prepped, it's time to add the magic of herbs and olive oil. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure to get it all the way to the edges.
Next, it's time to add a little sweetness and tanginess to your chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard. Brush this mixture onto the chicken breasts, again making sure to get it all the way to the edges.Now that your chicken is prepped and seasoned, it's time to fire up the grill.
Place the chicken breasts onto the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
New Ideas and Advice:Butterflying chicken with herbs and infused olive oil is just the beginning. Here are a few new ideas and advice to take your grilled chicken to the next level:
- Try different herbs: While rosemary and thyme are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil, oregano, or even lemon balm.
- Add some acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar can add a bright, tangy flavor to your chicken.
- Don't forget the edges: When brushing your chicken with olive oil and herbs, make sure to get it all the way to the edges. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out and ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Let it rest: Resist the temptation to slice into your chicken the moment it comes off the grill. Letting it rest for a few minutes will help the juices redistribute and ensure that your chicken is tender and juicy.
Conclusion: Butterflying chicken with herbs and infused olive oil is a game-changing technique that's sure to elevate your grilling game. By removing the backbone and flattening the chicken, you create a larger surface area that's perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors of your herbs and olive oil.
With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a dish that's sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So, fire up the grill and get ready to take your grilled chicken to new heights!