Cooking juicy and flavorful chicken breast on the barbecue can seem daunting, but with a few simple tips and techniques, you’ll be serving up tender and delicious BBQ chicken breast in no time.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
- Barbecue sauce or marinade
Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry – Make sure there is no excess moisture on the surface of the chicken. Pat dry with paper towels. This will help the chicken sear and caramelize better on the grill.
Coat with oil – Lightly brush or rub the chicken breasts with olive oil or vegetable oil. This adds flavor and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
Season well – Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts. Try a simple blend of salt, pepper and paprika or experiment with other dried herbs and spices. Allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat for 30 minutes before grilling.
Consider marinating – For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a marinade or sauce for 30-60 minutes prior to cooking. Try a store-bought marinade or whisk together oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs and seasonings.
Partially freeze – For extra juicy chicken, freezing the breasts for 20-30 minutes prior to grilling can help. The partial freezing firms up the texture so the chicken retains moisture better.
Grill the Chicken
Use direct heat – Cook the chicken over direct heat on a hot grill. The temperature inside the grill should be around 350-450°F. Direct heat will give the chicken a nice char.
Don’t overcrowd – Avoid overcrowding so that the chicken has room to cook evenly. Leave some space between each piece.
Cook most of the way on first side – Let the chicken cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving it. This helps create those nice grill marks everyone loves.
Flip only once – When ready, flip the chicken over using tongs and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side. Flipping only once prevents the chicken from drying out.
Check internal temperature – The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check.
Let rest before serving – When the chicken is done grilling, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier finished product.
Finishing Touches
Add sauce toward the end – During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, start brushing your favorite BBQ sauce on the chicken. This glazes the outside without burning the sauce.
Pair with flavorful sides – Serve the grilled BBQ chicken breast with classic backyard barbecue side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, cornbread or baked beans.
Top with extras – Customize your chicken with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, diced tomatoes or green onion.
Grilling the perfect chicken breast requires paying attention to prep, temperature and rest time. Follow these simple bbq chicken tips and you’ll have tender, juicy chicken coming off your grill in no time. Adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness of chicken and heat of grill.
FAQs about Grilling Chicken Breast
How long does it take to grill boneless chicken breast?
For an average size boneless, skinless chicken breast (6-8 oz), it takes about 8-12 minutes total to grill, cooking 4-6 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat. Larger breasts may take slightly longer.
What is the best temperature to grill chicken breast?
Aim to keep your grill between 350-450°F when cooking chicken breast. This medium-high to high heat will produce juicy, flavorful chicken. Make sure grates are clean so the chicken doesn’t stick.
Can you grill frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best not to grill chicken directly frozen. Thaw first in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. However, you can partially freeze breasts for 20-30 mins prior to grilling to help them retain moisture.
Should you marinate chicken before grilling?
Marinating is completely optional but does add lots of flavor to the chicken. Marinate for 30-60 mins prior to grilling. Store bought marinades or DIY herb/oil marinades both work. Discard leftover marinade after use.
How do you keep chicken breast moist on the grill?
- Pat chicken dry before grilling
- Partially freeze before grilling
- Cook over direct high heat
- Flip only once
- Don’t overcook (use a meat thermometer)
- Allow to rest 5 mins after grilling
What can I brush on chicken while grilling?
Great options for brushing on chicken while it grills include:
- Barbeque sauce
- Tangy mustard-based sauces
- Herb-infused olive oils
- Pesto
- Flavored butters
- Teriyaki sauce
- Hot sauce mixed with oil or butter
Grilled BBQ chicken breasts are a summer staple for a reason – the flavor is hard to beat! Follow these helpful tips and you’ll be serving up tender and delicious chicken off the grill in no time.
Conclusion
Grilling juicy, flavorful chicken breast doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Preparing the chicken properly and following grilling best practices is key. With the right techniques, you can enjoy perfectly cooked BBQ chicken breast with nice char and tenderness. Use the tips in this article to master grilling moist chicken on your barbecue. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces until you create your signature chicken. Get ready for many incredible chicken dinners hot off the grill!