Chicken breasts are a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. When barbecuing chicken breasts, getting the cook time right is key to ensuring they come out juicy, tender and safe to eat. The exact cooking time can vary based on a number of factors, so it’s helpful to know how long chicken breasts take to grill as well as techniques for ensuring they are fully cooked. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about barbecuing chicken breasts.

Picking the Right Chicken Breasts for BBQ

When selecting chicken breasts for grilling, opt for bone-in, skin-on breasts which will have more flavor and moisture. Boneless, skinless breasts can dry out on the grill. Look for breasts that are even in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. Some good options include:

Whole chicken breasts: The entire breast including bone, skin and meat. This is the best option for grilling to prevent drying out.
Split chicken breasts: The breast has been cut in half leaving both halves attached by skin and breastbone. This allows more surface area for browning.
Bone-in breasts: The breast with rib bones attached but skin removed. The bones add moisture.
Boneless breasts: Skinless, boneless breasts are most prone to drying out but easy to serve. Pound them to an even thickness.

Opt for the largest breasts that will fit comfortably on your grill. Larger breasts stay juicier as the inside cooks gently before the outside burns.

Setting Up the Grill for Chicken Breasts

To ensure chicken cooks properly on a barbecue, you need a hot grill and an area of indirect heat. Here are some tips:

Two-zone fire: Set up a two-zone fire in your charcoal or gas grill. Have one area with hot coals/flame for searing and a cooler area off to the side.
Clean grill: Make sure you start with a clean grill free of residue for optimal browning. Brush and scrape the grill grates.
Oil the grates: Use a vegetable oil on a folded paper towel to lightly grease the grill grates prior to cooking. This prevents sticking.
Prepare a basket: If using boneless breasts, a grill basket can prevent smaller pieces from falling through the grate.

Having a hot side for searing and browning while done over indirect heat prevents the breasts from charring outside before the inside cooks through.

How Long Does it Take to Grill Bone-In Chicken Breasts?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts take 18-25 minutes to cook fully on a grill depending on thickness. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Here are estimates based on size:

Small or thin under 1-inch: ~15 minutes
Medium 1 to 1 1/2-inches thick: ~18-22 minutes
Large over 1 1/2-inches: ~22-25 minutes

The bone and skin insulate the meat so it remains juicy even with full cooking. Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer for accuracy.

How Long to Cook Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts on BBQ

Since there is no skin or bone, boneless, skinless breasts take less time, about 8-12 minutes total. However, they also dry out easier. Follow these tips:

Pound breasts to an even 1/2 inch thickness so they cook evenly
Grill over direct high heat for 4-6 minutes per side
Resist urge to flip constantly which can dry them out
Brush with oil for moisture and desired char
Check temperature for doneness (minimum 165°F)

Smaller or thinner breasts may need less time. Unless pounded thin, do not grill these more than 12 minutes total.

How to Tell When Chicken Breasts Are Done on the Grill

It can be tricky knowing exactly when chicken breasts are fully cooked, especially with thick bone-in breasts. Here are some ways to test for doneness:

Use a meat thermometer: Insert into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F.
Slice to check: Make a small slit to check if meat is opaque and juices run clear. No pink should remain inside.
Check firmness: Fully cooked breasts will feel firm when pressed.
Watch for browning: Bone-in breasts are done when skin is nicely browned and crispy.

Be very careful not to undercook chicken which can lead to foodborne illness. If unsure, return to the grill for a few more minutes.

Tips for Keeping Chicken Breasts Juicy on the Grill

To prevent dry chicken breasts when grilling, here are some helpful hints:

Brine first: Soaking breasts in a saltwater brine adds moisture and seasons the meat.
Apply a rub: Using an oil-based spice rub adds fat to help prevent drying out.
Sear then move to indirect heat: Get nice grill marks over direct heat then finish over indirect heat on gas or charcoal grill.
Rotate: Flip only once but rotate breasts every 5 minutes for even exposure to heat.
Spritz with juice: Mist chicken with apple juice or wine vinegar as it cooks to replenish moisture.
Rest before serving: Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes so juices redistribute through meat.

BBQ Chicken Breasts Marinade and Rub Ideas

Marinades and spice rubs infuse chicken with lots of flavor. Try these options:

Simple Brines

Salt, brown sugar, water: Helps season chicken and retains moisture.
Buttermilk: Tangy and tenderizes meat. Add herbs and spices.
Yogurt: Lactic acid tenderizes. Mix with lemon, garlic and spices.

Easy BBQ Sauces

BBQ sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce, sweet and tangy.
Honey mustard: Whisk together mustard, honey and spices.
Jerk sauce: Caribbean inspired blend of chiles, allspice, citrus.

Dry Rubs

Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar: Southwestern flavored.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano: Spanish style.
Cayenne, black pepper, thyme: Spicy and aromatic.

Get creative mixing flavors like citrus, herbs, spices, oil, vinegar, mustard, etc. Apply marinades up to 24 hours before grilling. Reserve some marinade to brush on while cooking. Rub spices under skin as well as over top.

Side Dishes and Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Breasts

Grilled chicken breasts pair well with many summer favorites. Top suggestions include:

Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, corn.
Pasta or potato salad: Lightly dress pasta or potatoes with vinaigrette.
Coleslaw: Crisp cabbage tossed in creamy dressing.
Macaroni and cheese: Classic comfort side.
Baked beans: Smoky, sweet and saucy.
Cornbread: Buttery bread with corn flavor.
Watermelon slices: Juicy, refreshing fruit.

Slice chicken diagonally and serve on buns for chicken sandwiches or tacos. Dice and add to salads, pasta dishes or kabobs. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

Since grilled chicken breasts cook thoroughly, leftovers can be safely stored. Follow these guidelines:

Let chicken cool completely before refrigerating.
Store in airtight container up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for longer storage up to 4 months.
Defrost in refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, use one of these methods:

Microwave on half power until warmed through.
Place in oven at 300-350°F covered in foil until hot.
Slice and sauté in skillet with butter or broth.
Shred then mix with BBQ sauce and reheat in saucepan.

Only reheat once and use within a few days for food safety. Enjoy leftovers in salads, sandwiches, wraps or on pizza.

Common Questions about BBQ Chicken Breasts

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the best cut of chicken to grill?

Bone-in, skin-on breasts are ideal because the skin prevents drying out and bones impart flavor. Split chicken breasts work well too.

Should you marinate chicken before grilling?

Marinating is optional but recommended. It tenderizes, adds flavor and keeps chicken moist. Brining is an easy marinade option.

What are the signs of undercooked chicken?

Undercooked chicken will be pink in the center and release pink juices. It may feel squishy and soft when pressed rather than firm. Always use a meat thermometer.

How do you prevent chicken breasts from drying out on the grill?

Pound to an even thickness.
Grill over indirect heat, moving to direct heat just for searing.
Use a water-based marinade and baste while cooking.
Brush on oil to help retain moisture.

At what temperature are chicken breasts done?

Chicken breasts must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to consume. Always check with a food thermometer for accuracy.

Can you grill frozen chicken breasts?

It is unsafe to grill chicken directly frozen. Thaw in refrigerator completely before grilling raw chicken. Precooked frozen breasts can be briefly grilled to warm.

Key Takeaways on Grilling Juicy Chicken Breasts

Allow 20-25 minutes for bone-in breasts, less time for boneless. Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F.
Indirect heat prevents drying out. Sear briefly over direct heat.
Brining or marinating adds flavor and moisture. Apply spice rubs too.
Cook thoroughly until firm with no pink and juices run clear. Check temperature.
Let rest before slicing for juiciest results. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

With the right prep and techniques, you can enjoy perfectly cooked chicken breasts with lots of flavor and juiciness right off the barbecue.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken breasts requires paying attention to details like thickness, bone-in or boneless, marinade and spice rubs, indirect versus direct heat, and using a thermometer. With some practice, you can learn how long chicken breasts take to cook on the grill so they come out moist and flavorful every time. Follow the tips provided on setting up your grill, estimating cook times, and properly handling leftovers. Marinating or brining ahead of time helps keep grilled chicken juicy. Mastering the barbecuing of chicken breasts opens up an easy and healthy protein option you can enjoy all summer long.

How Long to BBQ Chicken Breasts