Grilling juicy, flavorful chicken breast can be tricky. It’s easy to end up with dry, overcooked chicken if you don’t know what you’re doing. However, with the right techniques, you can make tender, moist chicken breast on the grill every time. In this article, I’ll explain step-by-step how to grill chicken breast so it turns out perfectly.
Why Chicken Breast Is Prone to Drying Out
Chicken breast is very lean and doesn’t have much fat. This makes it prone to drying out and overcooking, especially on the grill. Additionally, chicken breast cooks quickly due to its thin, uniform shape. It can go from perfectly cooked to dry and rubbery in just a few minutes if you aren’t careful.
Tips for Grilling Juicy Chicken Breast
Here are my top tips for cooking tender, juicy grilled chicken breast:
1. Brine the Chicken
Soaking chicken breast in a saltwater brine solution helps it retain moisture during cooking. The salt allows the chicken to absorb and hold onto more liquid. Brine chicken breast for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is ideal.
2. Use Bone-In Chicken
Chicken breast with the bone still attached will be juicier than boneless. The bone conducts less heat than the meat and slows down cooking. Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if possible.
3. Apply a Marinade
Marinating chicken breast will help keep it tender and succulent. The acid in ingredients like yogurt, citrus, and vinegar gently break down proteins. Spices, herbs, and oils will also add flavor. Let chicken marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
4. Pat Chicken Dry
After brining or marinating, be sure to pat chicken breast dry with paper towels. This helps promote browning and prevents steaming from excess moisture.
5. Grill Over Medium Heat
If the grill is too hot, the outside of the chicken will burn before the inside cooks through. Aim for a temperature between 350-450°F. Sear over direct heat, then finish over indirect heat.
6. Use a Meat Thermometer
The only way to accurately tell when chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F.
7. Let It Rest
Allowing chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling prevents juices from leaking out when you cut into it. The temperature will rise 5-10° during resting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled chicken breast:
1. Prep the Chicken
Rinse chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If desired, brine chicken for 1-2 hours in a saltwater solution.
Next, coat both sides of the chicken liberally with olive oil or melted butter. This helps prevent sticking.
Finally, season the chicken all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs. Garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and cumin are all tasty options.
2. Preheat the Grill
Ignite the grill on medium heat, around 375°F, and close the lid. Let it preheat for 10-15 minutes so the grates are hot. Oil or spray the grill grates right before adding chicken so it doesn’t stick.
3. Sear the Chicken
Place chicken breasts over direct heat. Close the lid and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving them so they get nice grill marks. Flip and sear second side for another 4 minutes.
4. Finish Cooking Over Indirect Heat
Move chicken to indirect heat, away from the coals or flames. Close the lid and continue grilling for 8-12 minutes more, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
5. Test for Doneness
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a breast without touching bone. It should read 165°F when chicken is fully cooked. The meat will become opaque and firm when you poke it.
6. Rest and Serve
Transfer chicken to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes so juices can redistribute through meat. Chicken is now ready to serve!
Grilled chicken breast is amazing in salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, and more. I like to slice it and serve over a flavorful salsa. Don’t worry if you cut into it and juices run out – the resting period helps minimize this.
Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common grilling mistakes that can lead to dry, overcooked chicken:
- Not brining or marinating
- Cooking over high heat
- Grilling with the lid open
- Cutting into chicken right after cooking
- Not using a meat thermometer
- Skipping the resting period
As long as you follow the steps above and avoid these errors, you’ll end up with juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breast off the grill every time. Grilled chicken is flavorful, easy to make, and so versatile. Try using my techniques for your next BBQ chicken dinner!
how to GRILL AMAZING CHICKEN Breasts recipe – NO MORE DRY CHICKEN!!
FAQ
How long should you cook chicken breast on grill?
How do you grill chicken breast without drying it out?
How do you keep chicken breast moist on the grill?
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400?
How long should a chicken breast be grilled?
How Long You Should Grill the Chicken Breast: While all grills are different, most of the time you’ll be golden if you grill your chicken breasts for about 9-10 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts over at the halfway point so you get beautiful, even sear marks on each side of the chicken. Presentation is key! Check the Temp!
How do you cook boneless chicken breast on a grill?
Pat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with a clean paper towel. Season with either salt and pepper or with a fun seasoning! Or, you can use a marinade of your choosing (we love this one)! Ensure grill grates are clean and preheat grill to medium/medium-high heat. Cook over direct heat for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
How long do you cook chicken breast on a gas grill?
Preheat your grill to 400 degrees F and scrape off any leftover bits from the grates. Place your chicken breasts on your preheated grill, and close the lid. It’s important to keep the lid of your grill closed while your chicken is cooking so that no heat escapes. Cook your chicken breast on the grill for 6-8 minutes on one side.
How long do you cook skinless chicken on a grill?
Grill medium boneless skinless chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side (12-16 minutes total) on a preheated 450℉ grill. Make sure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breasts reaches 165℉. Preheat and marinate. Preheat grill to 450℉. Marinate chicken in balsamic vinegar for 5 minutes. Grill.