Perfect Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken

Tired of dried out and flavorless chicken breast? This surefire recipe uses the amazing cooking technology of the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill with an amazing marinade to create perfect chicken breasts, every time!

Say goodbye to dry, boring chicken breasts! A combination of a great marinade and a surefire cooking method ensures your chicken will be amazing every time!

You’ll need a good – and accurate – digital meat thermometer for this recipe. Cooking to the exact temperature is important. Cooking anything on a Ninja means there’s going to be a lot of carryover cooking. Cook your chicken breasts to 162-F and then pull them to rest. The cooking will carryover to 165-F which is optimal for chicken.

The other trick to cooking perfect chicken breasts is to ensure they are well tempered before they go on the grill. This means that the chicken is at – or near – to room temperature before they go on the grill. They’ll cook more evenly this way.

Plan on marinating the chicken for at least an hour, or for a maximum of 3-4 hours. Any longer than that and the lemon juice will start to break down the chicken and your chicken could be mushy.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – Pounded thinner or butterflied.
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic – Minced fine.
• Fresh rosemary – Chopped.
• Fresh thyme – Chopped.
• Fresh oregano – Or dried oregano.
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken 

1. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Set 2 tablespoons aside for brushing on before serving.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Set your Ninja Woodfire Grill to high heat and allow it to preheat for about 10 minutes. Spray  the grill plate with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 162°F with a digital meat thermometer. Keep the lid open. 
5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Brush with the 2 tablespoons of marinade you set aside while hot, then serve and enjoy.

Step-By-Step Process

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• I rarely pound chicken breasts, but you can. Instead, I cut them in half horizontally. Kind of like butterflying them, so that they cook faster.
• If you have the time, marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours to really let the flavors penetrate the meat.
• Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the perfect temperature without overcooking.
• Don’t cross-contaminate the marinade. Discard any that the chicken was soaking in. 

Recommended

Make It A Meal

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Herb Chicken with Lemon Garlic Marinade is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with a fresh garden salad, grilled vegetables, or a pasta salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, pair it with smashed potatoes or a creamy risotto. This chicken also makes a great addition to sandwiches and wraps for a quick lunch.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.