Heart-Healthy Spicy Grilled Chicken

Fire up the grill for this Heart-Healthy Spicy Grilled Chicken, a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for maintaining a balanced diet without compromising on taste. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne, this recipe creates juicy, tender chicken breasts with a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Enhanced by heart-smart ingredients like low-sodium soy sauce and honey, this dish is ideal for anyone seeking a delicious, low-fat, and nutritious meal. Easy to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Serve with steamed veggies or a crisp green salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they are particularly thick, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and honey until well combined.

Step 3

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 4

Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it over medium heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade to avoid cross-contamination.

Step 6

Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid flipping the chicken too frequently to achieve proper grill marks.

Step 7

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a hearty green salad for a complete heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(775.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1466.4

Total Fat 54.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 1023.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 13.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.0g	0%
Total Sugars 6.6g
Protein 219.3g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 130.6mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 1964.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.4%

Protein: 61.8%

Carbs: 3.9%