Grilling chicken on a gas grill is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy tender, juicy chicken breasts. Moist grilled chicken breasts are incredibly easy, but it can be easy to overcook, dry out, or not get the right browning spots.
Chicken breast is one of the easiest and most difficult cuts of meat to grill. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly when grilled, but with a simple technique (and a handy meat thermometer!) you’ll be grilling that perfectly juicy grilled chicken breast in no time.
The grill is a backyard staple. Even if it won’t be used in order to cook the meal, grilled chicken, steak, or seafood can nonetheless be a delicious addition to a dinner or potluck.
The danger to the ideal backyard grilling is undercooked meat, which can cloud the food and the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, raw chicken can be contaminated with bacteria and cause salmonella or other types of food poisoning if eaten.
How to prepare grilled chicken breasts
Pat Dry –
Always pat your chicken dry with a clean paper towel first.
Seasoning –
You can use plain kosher salt + pepper or a fun condiment like this smoked chicken dry rub (which is good for any type of chicken).
Marinade (optional):
If you want to use a marinade, here’s a great option!
How long does it take to grill chicken breasts?
Not long! About 15-17 minutes (or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees), then let stand for at least another 5 minutes, during which time the internal temperature will continue to rise. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°C at the thickest part.
How to grill chicken breasts on a gas grill
- Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or desired seasonings. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Shortly before grilling, preheat the hot gas grill to medium or 350-400 F.
- Lightly oil the grill surface and add the chicken. Close the lid and cook for 8 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and has burn marks.
- Turn the chicken over, close the lid, reduce the heat to medium and cook an additional 7 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken breast from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prepare your grill. Preheat your grill to 375 or 400 degrees F and scrape off any leftovers from the last time you grilled.
- Add your chicken. Put your marinated chicken on your preheated grill and close the lid. It’s important to keep the grill lid closed while the chicken cooks to retain the heat. Grill your chicken breasts on one side for 6-8 minutes.
- Turn your chicken over. After 6-8 minutes, open the grill lid and use tongs to turn the chicken breasts over. A great tip is to only turn the chicken breasts once so they stay nice and moist (and leave delicious grill marks!)
- Check the temperature. Cook your chicken breasts for another 6-8 minutes. Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken breast, so be sure to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken breast with a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, the chicken is done and can be placed on a clean plate or cutting board.
- let him rest Immediately cover the chicken with foil to seal in the juices and let rest 5 to 10 minutes before carving. This will help you achieve the juicy chicken breasts you’re looking for!
Best Grilled Chicken
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Total Minutes: at least 30 minutes, at least 4 hours to marinate.
INGREDIENTS
- 1¾ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 Large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ Teaspoon dried oregano
- 1¼ Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ Teaspoons lemon zest, from one lemon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, in a 1-gallon ziplock bag;
- Beat with a meat mallet to an even thickness of ½ inch.
- In a 1-gallon ziplock bag, mix all the ingredients except the chicken (go ahead and use the same one you used for the mash if it’s still in good condition).
- Place the chicken breasts in the bag and massage the marinade into the meat until evenly coated.
- Seal the bag and place it in a bowl in the fridge (the bowl protects against leakage); Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Bring the grill to high heat and coat the grates with cooking oil. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cover and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Don’t overcook. Transfer the chicken to the dish and serve.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken breast on the grill is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Depending on the thickness of your chicken breast, cooking time will vary, but typically it will take around 12-15 minutes per side to cook through. Make sure to use a good quality grill, as this will help ensure that your chicken breasts come out juicy and flavorful.