Chicken breast is a lean, versatile protein that’s perfect for grilling and barbecuing. When cooked properly on the barbecue, chicken breast can turn out incredibly moist, flavorful and tender. However, it’s easy to overcook chicken breast on the grill, leaving it dry, rubbery and tough.
The key is knowing exactly how long to barbecue chicken breasts to achieve the ideal texture. Follow these tips for grilling times and techniques to make irresistibly juicy BBQ chicken breast every time.
Selecting and Preparing Chicken Breasts for Grilling
Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. The bones and skin will keep the delicate breast meat moist and prevent it from drying out. If using boneless breasts, opt for thicker cuts to allow juicier results.
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. This encourages even cooking so no parts end up underdone or overcooked.Aim for about 3/4-inch thickness.
Marinate the chicken. Marinades infuse flavor and moisture into the meat. For BBQ chicken, marinate for 1-2 hours in a zip-top bag with barbecue sauce, olive oil, herbs and seasonings.
Pat chicken dry before grilling. This helps browning while preventing sticking. Keep some marinade for basting later.
Setting Up the Grill for Chicken Breasts
Use indirect heat by turning on burners to one side only. This avoids burning. For charcoal grills, bank lit coals to one side.
Aim for medium heat. Chicken breast needs gentler heat of 325-375°F. High heat causes overcooking.
Oil the grill grates using a paper towel and tongs. This prevents sticking. Avoid plateauing. This is when chicken releases then sticks again, tearing the meat.
How Long to Grill Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
6-8 minutes per side is ideal for grilling 1-inch thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts over medium indirect heat. This allows the inside to cook through without the outside burning.
Factors like thickness and grill temperature affect cooking times. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F but best around 155-160°F for tenderness.
Tip: Slice thicker breasts horizontally to create two thinner cutlets if needing a quicker cook. Pound these to an even thickness for consistent grilling.
How Long to Grill Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breasts
Cook bone-in, skin-on breasts over indirect medium heat for:
- 10-12 minutes per side for pieces about 1 1⁄4-inches thick
- 14-18 minutes per side for pieces up to 2 inches thick
The bone and skin insulate the meat, requiring slightly longer cooking than boneless breasts. Allowing extra time gives the meat a chance to become tender and juicy without overcooking.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat for better moisture. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Basting and Glazing Chicken Breasts While Grilling
Basting chicken with a flavorful sauce or glaze helps ensure juicy results. Follow these tips:
- Use reserved marinade or make a thin, basting sauce with vinegar, oil, herbs, mustard, etc. Thick barbecue sauce can burn.
- Baste during last 5 minutes of grilling only to avoid burning or undercooking.
- Brush sauce generously on both sides to flavor and moisten meat.
- Let sauce caramelize for irresistible charred bits.
- Apply glazes thicker since these sticky mixtures don’t cause burning.
- Grill glazed breasts uncovered so the glaze doesn’t get steamed.
How to Tell When BBQ Chicken Breasts Are Done
It’s crucial to accurately determine doneness to avoid under or overcooking:
- Use an instant-read thermometer, piercing deeply into thickest part without touching bone.
- Temp should reach 160-165°F. Juices should run clear with no traces of pink when pierced.
- Check multiple spots on each breast since thickness varies.
- Boneless breasts cook faster, so monitor temperature closely after the first side is done.
- Touch test: Meat should feel firm yet still tender and juicy, not rubbery.
Err on the side of slightly underdone since carryover cooking will occur after removing from grill. Breasts should still be moist if followed juiciness tips.
Troubleshooting: How to Keep Chicken Breasts Moist
If your grilled chicken breasts turn out dry, here are some tips to improve moisture:
- Marinate chicken in an acidic marinade with oil and seasonings. Allow to penetrate meat at least 1-2 hours.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or pound boneless breasts to an even thickness.
- Grill using indirect, medium heat around 350°F to prevent burning and drying.
- Baste chicken while grilling using reserved marinade or a flavorful basting sauce. Apply during last 10 minutes only.
- Brush on glazes thicker during last few minutes for juicy results.
- Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer for accuracy. Target 155-160°F.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute through meat.
Serving Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Breasts
BBQ chicken breast makes delicious sandwiches, salads, main courses and more. Here are serving ideas:
- Slice grilled chicken and place on buns with desired toppings to make chicken sandwiches or sliders.
- Dice chicken and mix with pasta salad, greens, potatoes or grain bowls.
- Pair grilled chicken breasts with veggie shish kabobs and corn on the cob for easy dinner.
- Shred or chop chicken and toss with barbecue sauce for sandwiches, tacos or pizza topping.
- Serve whole chicken breasts alongside Creole rice, beans and cornbread.
- Make chicken Caesar salad with sliced grilled chicken breast, romaine and Caesar dressing.
With proper preparation and grilling technique, it’s easy to achieve incredibly flavorful, juicy barbecue chicken breasts. Follow these guidelines for cooking times and temperature doneness to enjoy ideal results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Chicken Breasts
How long does it take to grill chicken breast at 400 degrees?
At a high heat of 400°F, boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 inch thick will take 4-6 minutes per side. Bone-in breasts will need 6-8 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 160°F. High heat can toughen and dry out the delicate meat.
Can you grill frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best to thaw chicken breasts before grilling for food safety and even cooking. If grilling frozen, use indirect medium heat and add at least 5 minutes to the cooking time. Turn gently with tongs to avoid tearing. Check temperature in multiple spots with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Should you cover chicken on the grill?
It’s best not to cover bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts so the skin gets crispy. Use a loose tent of foil or close lid partially if flare-ups occur. For boneless breasts, you can tent them loosely with foil to retain moisture after browning and cooking partway. Avoid steaming fully covered.
How can you tell if chicken is cooked without a thermometer?
Check for juices running clear when pierced with a fork or knife tip with no traces of pink. Meat near bones should no longer be translucent or pink. Boneless breasts will feel firm to the touch yet still be juicy, not rubbery. Use tongs to test meat pull-away from bones. Touch test takes practice so thermometer is best for accuracy.
What is the lowest temperature you can cook chicken?
The USDA states chicken needs to reach 165°F internally to be safe for consumption. Cooking between 155-160°F gives the best juiciness and tenderness. Any lower risks potential illness from undercooked poultry. Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe minimum temps when grilling.
What happens if you undercook chicken?
Undercooked chicken can potentially cause foodborne illness, as poultry may contain harmful bacteria. Be especially careful when cooking large, thick cuts of chicken like bone-in breasts, ensuring the internal temperature reaches food safe levels of 165°F. Visible signs of undercooking are pink, translucent flesh and bloody juices.
Key Takeaways for Juicy, Tender Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Allow 1-2 hours for chicken breasts to marinate for added flavor and moisture.
- Use indirect, medium heat of 325-375°F to prevent overcooking.
- Grill bone-in, skin-on breasts for the juiciest results.
- Cook 10-18 minutes per side depending on thickness. Check internal temperature.
- Baste during last 10 minutes only using reserved marinade or sauce.
- Chicken is safely cooked between 155-165°F internally.
- Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before cutting for juicy results.
With the right prep, careful monitoring and proper cooking temps, you can achieve perfectly barbecue grilled chicken breast every time. Follow these tips for keeping the meat tender, succulent and bursting with finger-licking barbecue flavor.