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December 10, 2024
Grilling chicken breast on the BBQ is a popular and delicious way to prepare this lean and versatile protein. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just craving some juicy grilled chicken, it’s important to know how long to cook chicken breast on the BBQ to ensure that it’s perfectly cooked.
One important factor to consider when grilling chicken breast on the BBQ is the thickness of the meat. Thicker chicken breasts will take longer to cook than thinner ones. As a general rule of thumb, grill boneless, skinless chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
However, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken breast is cooked to the right temperature. This will help you avoid undercooking or overcooking the meat. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, being careful not to touch the bone, and wait for the temperature to stabilize.
If you’re dealing with bone-in chicken breasts, they will take longer to cook than boneless ones. It’s recommended to grill bone-in chicken breasts for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remember to preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat before placing the chicken breasts on the grill. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks. Additionally, it’s important to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and flavorful result.
Preparing the Chicken Breast
Before cooking the chicken breast on the barbecue, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it is ready to be cooked to perfection.
1. Clean the chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken breast under cold water to remove any excess debris or packaging liquids. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Trim the fat: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the chicken breast. This will help prevent flare-ups and ensure the meat cooks evenly.
3. Pound the chicken: If the chicken breast is thick or uneven, you can use a meat hammer or rolling pin to pound it to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and prevent it from drying out.
4. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breast with your preferred rub or marinade. You can keep it simple with salt, pepper, and some herbs, or get creative with a variety of seasonings and spices.
5. Let it marinate: If you have time, let the seasoned chicken breast marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender and flavorful.
6. Preheat the grill: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice char on the outside.
By following these preparation steps, you will be ready to cook your chicken breast on the barbecue and enjoy a delicious and juicy meal.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken before grilling can add incredible flavor and juiciness to the meat. Here are some tips for marinating your chicken:
Choose the right marinade:
There are countless marinade recipes available, ranging from simple to complex. Choose a marinade that suits your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Some popular options include soy sauce-based marinades, lemon-based marinades, and herb-infused marinades.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, you can also use a store-bought marinade.
Prepare the chicken:
Before marinating the chicken, rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or skin, as it can interfere with the absorption of the marinade.
Pro tip: To infuse even more flavor, consider scoring the chicken breast with a knife before marinating.
Marinating time:
The length of time you marinate the chicken depends on your recipe and personal preference. In general, marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but you can marinate for up to 24 hours for more flavor. It’s essential to marinate the chicken in the refrigerator to prevent harmful bacteria growth.
Pro tip: Marinating your chicken in a zipper-lock bag or a shallow dish with a tight-fitting lid can help ensure the marinade evenly coats the meat.
By following these marinating tips, you’ll be on your way to enjoying delicious and flavorful grilled chicken breast. Don’t forget to check the cooking time to ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat!
Seasoning the Chicken
Seasoning the chicken breast before grilling is an essential step to enhancing the flavor of the meat. There are many different seasonings you can use to marinate the chicken; however, the classic combination of salt, pepper, and olive oil is a great starting point.
1. Salt and Pepper
Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper. This simple blend of spices will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat. It is important to evenly coat the chicken to ensure that every bite is seasoned to perfection.
2. Olive Oil
Next, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the chicken breast. The oil will help to prevent the meat from sticking to the grill and will add a subtle richness to the overall taste. Use your fingers or a brush to evenly distribute the oil, making sure to cover the entire surface of the chicken.
Note: If you prefer a more flavor-packed marinade, you can add herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Remember to let the seasoned chicken sit for at least 15-20 minutes before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and provides a more delicious end result.
Grilling the Chicken Breast
Grilling chicken breast on the BBQ is a delicious and healthy option for a meal. The smoky flavor adds an extra dimension to the chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience.
Preparing the Chicken
Before grilling, it’s essential to properly prepare the chicken breasts. Start by ensuring the chicken is of high quality and fresh. Trim any excess fat or skin, but leave some skin intact to keep the meat moist during cooking.
Season the chicken with your preferred spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. You can also marinate the chicken overnight in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for added flavor.
Grilling Process
Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and close the lid. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
It’s crucial to avoid flipping or moving the chicken too frequently to ensure proper searing and grill marks. However, if flare-ups occur, move the chicken to a cooler spot on the grill to prevent burning.
Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
Grilled chicken breast is versatile and can be served as a main dish, sliced and added to salads, or used in sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken breast!
Preheating the Grill
Before starting to cook the chicken breast on the BBQ, it is essential to preheat the grill properly. Preheating the grill ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and helps to create those perfect grill marks.
Here are the steps to follow when preheating the grill:
- First, make sure you have cleaned the grill grates properly. Use a stiff wire brush to remove any leftover debris or charred bits from previous use.
- Next, close the lid of the grill and turn on the burners to high heat. Allow the grill to heat up for at least 10 minutes, or until it reaches a temperature of around 400-450°F (200-230°C).
- If you are using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and wait until it has turned gray with a layer of ash. Then, spread the charcoal evenly across the bottom of the grill.
- For gas grills, keep the lid closed during the preheating process to maintain a consistent heat level. For charcoal grills, leave the lid off while the coals are getting hot.
- Once the grill has reached the desired temperature, use a grill brush to clean the grates one more time and then lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
By properly preheating the grill, you will ensure that your chicken breast cooks thoroughly and achieves that delicious smoky flavor that only a BBQ grill can provide. Now that the grill is ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken for cooking.
Grilling the Chicken
Once the grill is preheated, it’s time to cook the chicken breast. Follow these steps for perfectly grilled chicken:
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. You can use cooking spray or brush the grates with a little oil.
- Season the chicken breast with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a pre-made seasoning mix or make your own blend.
- Place the chicken breast on the grill, making sure to leave enough space between each piece. Crowding the grill can result in uneven cooking.
- Cook the chicken breast over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breast. It’s important to cook it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. If it reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is done and ready to be removed from the grill.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken breast to a clean plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken breast.
- Serve the grilled chicken breast hot and enjoy!
Remember, grilling times can vary depending on factors such as the heat of your grill and the thickness of the chicken breast. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
Q&A
How long should I cook chicken breast on the BBQ?
Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast, but as a general guideline, it is recommended to cook chicken breast on the BBQ for about 6-8 minutes per side.
What temperature should the BBQ be for cooking chicken breast?
It is recommended to preheat the BBQ to a medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-200°C), to properly cook chicken breast.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken breast before grilling it on the BBQ?
Marinating the chicken breast before grilling is not necessary, but it can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. It is recommended to marinate the chicken breast for at least 30 minutes to overnight for the best results.
How can I tell if the chicken breast is cooked thoroughly on the BBQ?
The best way to ensure that the chicken breast is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken breast should reach 165°F (75°C) to be considered safe to eat.