Prep the chicken. Start by patting the chicken breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a lovely sear. Next, take a meat tenderizer and pound the chicken breasts flat and thin. This ensures they cook evenly in the grill pan. You might find it necessary to butterfly the chicken, cutting it in half horizontally to achieve a thickness of about 1 to 2 inches.
Make the marinade. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients except the chicken. This includes the olive oil, lemon juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these together until well combined. You want all those flavors to meld beautifully. Once mixed, add the chicken breast to the bowl. Let it soak in the marinade for about 15 minutes, or longer in the fridge if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs.
Grill the chicken breast on the stovetop. Heat your grill pan on medium-high heat. If desired, brush the pan lightly with some avocado oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken breast. Allow it to grill undisturbed for about 5 minutes. The key here is not to move it around, as you want those beautiful grill marks to form.
After the initial grilling, flip the chicken breast using tongs. Grill the other side for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
Let it rest. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill pan and let it rest on a cutting board or in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
Finally, sprinkle with additional fresh cilantro if desired, slice, and enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken! It can be served with a side salad, rice, or your favorite vegetable.
