What Is A Bone
A bone-in chicken breast is exactly what it sounds like: a breast section of the bird with the bones intact.
While boneless breasts are more popular because they are quick and easy to cook, they often lack flavor compared to their bone-in counterparts.
The bones help keep the meat moist and juicy as well as release flavor during cooking, which means that the resulting dish will be much more delicious and worth the effort.
It might be harder to buy a bone-in chicken breast on the market, so you can ask your local butcher to keep the bones in this lean chicken cut, then you can have your desired cut of chicken for your next meal.
Direct Heat To Finish A Grilled Chicken Breast
The last step to the perfect grilled chicken breast is a direct heat sear. This gives the chicken a few minutes on each side to crisp up and get all of that tasty grilled chicken flavor that we love. The key here is caramelization. The sugars in the marinade and seasoning we used will hit the high heat from the flames and start to bubble and brown.
Be careful to avoid overcooking and burning at this point. It will make your perfectly grilled chicken breasts taste bitter. You are looking for a target internal temperature of 160 degrees. Since chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees F, this last tip is crucial. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover immediately with a tight layer of foil. The carryover momentum from the heat rising within the chicken will create a little steam oven inside the foiled plate and push the final temperature up to 165 degrees F. This process takes about 5-10 minutes.
A Quick Guide To Grilling Chicken
Before we get into how long to grill your chicken, use this primer to prep the chicken and your grill.
- Begin with refrigerated raw poultry. If frozen, allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight in a rimmed tray or container such as a baking pan preferably with a lid.
- If desired, remove skin from the poultry.
- Use the list below to determine if direct or indirect grilling is best for your cut of chicken.
- For a charcoal grill , place poultry on grill rack, bone side up , directly over medium coals. Grill, uncovered, for the time given or until the proper temperature is reached, turning once halfway through grilling.
- For a gas grill , preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place poultry on grill rack, bone side down , over medium heat. Cover and grill for the time given below in our how long to grill chicken instructions below.
- Test for doneness using a meat thermometer. For the most accurate, quick results, we recommend using an instant-read thermometer . The thermometer should register 165°F to 175°F, depending on the cut you’re cooking. If desired, during the last 5 to 10 minutes of grilling, brush with a sauce, such as this fan-favorite balsamic-barbecue sauce.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and tent with foil. Allow the meat to rest about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
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How Long Do You Grill Chicken Breasts For
This is the biggest question that I get. It really does end up depending on how thick your chicken breasts are. If you flattened them, as discussed, theyre going to need about 4 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat . If your grill doesnt have a thermometer, heres how to find out what temperature its at.
After 4 minutes, you flip them over and do the other side for 4 minutes. This is going to get you nice parallel grill marks on your chicken. If you want crosshatched grill marks, after the first 2 minutes, turn the breasts 90 degrees and cook for 2 more minutes. Then flip and do the same thing on the other side, 2 minutes then turn, then 2 more minutes. But note that the crosshatched ones wont be as dark as the parallel ones. I therefore prefer to just do the 4 minutes per side without turning.
Quick Instructions For Grilling Chicken Breasts
How long do I grill chicken breast pieces?
Grill the chicken breast piece for round about 9 to 10 minutes total, tossing halfway through.
How long do you grill chicken on every side?
Grill chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side.
Whats the seamless grilled chicken temp?
The inner temperature of chicken breasts must be 165°F.
How warm should your grill be for chicken?
Heat up your grill to among 425 450°F for chicken breasts.
This Gas Grill Chicken Breast procedure is calm to make and a weeknight essential throughout the summer. The boneless chicken breast pieces prepare piquant and juicy. These recipes classes 4 portions for only $1.41 each serving. That works out to be entire of near about $5.66 for the whole recipe.
If you like grilled chicken as ample as I do, you need to check out these differences that are required in the summertime. Effort for these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Thighs. The Grilled Hawaiian Chicken, and the Grilled BBQ Chicken process. The above description of the ended chicken sliced on a cutting panel. These Chicken breast pieces are so spicy and tender because of the modest marinade used earlier to grill them in order to get a better juicy taste. The chicken marinade formula is unassuming and prepared unruffled in only five minutes.
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How To Grill Chicken Breast In Five Easy Steps
Grilling juicy chicken breast can easily be done in just a few steps.
Easy Grilled Chicken Breast
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Grilled Chicken Breast is a quick meal with tender juicy chicken in a flavorful marinade. Its extra quick to make and perfect to enjoy on its own, add to pasta, or even put on top of a salad!
A quick and flavorful marinade and an even quicker grill time means this is meal on the table in no time at all!
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What Does Resting The Meat Do
Once meat has been removed from the heat source, it will retain the heat for a Rest time. During this time, the temperature will remain the same or continue to rise, which will help the juices seal into the meat. Let chicken rest for 3 minutes before cutting for the juiciest and most flavorful chicken.
How Long To Grill All The Different Cuts Of Chicken
Now that you know the safe temperature of cooked chicken, and how to check the temperature of your barbecue, lets take a look at how long it takes to grill the different parts and cuts of a chicken.
We cover all the cuts from whole chickens down to thighs and wings, with some expert notes and tips to be mindful of for each.
Recommended Reading: Baked Chicken Times And Temp
How To Grill Chicken Breast On A Gas Grill:
The first step is to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Then, season your chicken breast as desired we recommend using a simple spice rub or marinade for added flavor.
Coat chicken lightly with oil this will help to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Then, place chicken on the grill, flipping once halfway through cooking time.
Grill chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through without being dry or overcooked.
Once chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This will help to keep the juices in, resulting in juicier, more flavorful chicken.
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Final Thoughts On Grilling Chicken
Chicken is on the top of the list for lean cuts for a good reason it tastes great, cooks fast, and is very affordable. There are almost endless ways to prepare chicken, but one of the most popular is to grill it.
Everyone loves BBQ chicken, but most make quite a few mistakes trying to grill the perfect piece. For me, a properly cooked piece of chicken is easy to pull off! Its juicy, packed with flavor, and doesnt dry out.
A perfectly grilled piece of chicken will be well-rounded on all fronts.
However, grilling chicken can be tricky. Many amateur grillers find that its pretty easy to dry out the chicken and make it taste like charcoal briquettes, or not cook it all the way through.
There is more to grilling chicken than just slapping it on the grill and letting it cook until the outside is brown.
The best part of grilling perfect chicken is that it isnt a difficult task. It requires only a bit of preparation and patience once it hits the grill.
Be sure to use fresh chicken, and you can always opt for chicken thighs if you are looking for more flavor than white meat can offer.
Take a deep breath, relax and get ready to knock out some grilled chicken meals using our advice and tips. Happy grilling!
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Cooking Temperatures Thermometers And Food Safety
When it comes to checking the temperature of cooked chicken nothing can replace a quality digital, instant-read thermometer. They are highly accurate, fast and reliable.
I will touch on other methods to check for doneness if you dont have one, but nothing is better or safer. I STRONGLY recommend you have an instant-read digital thermometer before you cook your first piece of chicken! If you dont have one, check out our guide to the best instant-read thermometers.
Now that you have a thermometer in hand, you need to know the temperature of a properly cooked piece of chicken.
How Long Do You Cook Chicken On The Grill
Grilled chicken is a summer classic and is a nice switch up from the all-American burgers or hotdogs.
How long it takes to grill chicken is a common question that is asked but doesnt have an exact answer, for a few reasons.
There are several different kinds of chicken parts, some with bones, and some without, some large and some small. All will vary in grilling time.
The type of grill and more importantly the temperature of the grill are big factors in how long it will take your chicken to grill.
In this post, I am going to go over how long it takes to grill all of the different chicken parts so that they come out juicy and delicious every time!
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How Long Does It Take To Grill Chicken Breast On Electric Grill
When grilling chicken, it is important to consider both the thickness of the meat and the temperature of your grill.
Thicker cuts of chicken will require a longer cooking time than thinner cuts.
If you have your grill set to a high temperature, it will cook the meat more quickly.
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For best results, grill chicken breasts at a medium-high temperature for 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
When the chicken is cooked through, it will be opaque in the center and the juices will run clear when you cut into it.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
With these tips in mind, you can easily grill delicious, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Here Are A Few Ways To Tell If Your Chicken Is Cooked:
The most important factor to moist grilled chicken is to not overcook. Grill chicken according to the heat and times in this recipe, and watch carefully.
- Internal temp: The internal temp should reach 165° F to be safe. Pro tip: You can cook chicken slightly less to 160° and let it rest 5-10 minutes under foil. It will continue to cook to a safe temp and be moister.
- Visual check:Cut into the center of the chicken breast with a knife. It should be white, with just the slightest hint of pink. If its pure white and looks stringy inside, its overcooked. Note: using this method while the chicken is still cooking or before resting will cause some liquids and moisture to drain out.
- Test for firmness: Remove chicken from the grill. Once cooled slightly, press in the center with finger. It should have a little bit of give but also not be squishy feeling. Note: this method takes practice is the least accurate.
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When Is Chicken Done And Safe To Eat
According to the FDA, chicken is done at 165° internal temperature in the thickest part. A higher temperature will dry, and a lower temperature is unsafe. An instant-read thermometer is required to get this right.
Lower temperatures with specific rest times at those temperatures can be used if you want to research those. As a retired doctor, I treated many cases of food poisoning and do not recommend anything lower than 165° since people cheat on timing.
How Long To Cook A Bone
Bone-in chicken breasts are great for grilling because they have a little extra fat and flavor that you dont get from boneless, skinless chicken.
But the bones also mean its harder to cook them perfectly, especially if youre new to grilling.
How long should you cook a bone-in chicken breast on the grill?
And what temperature do you use?
Heres everything you need to know!
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Grilled Chicken Breast: The Solution
One method is to marinate chicken cutlets, or chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness, and quickly grill them on high heat. We use this method for our cilantro lime chicken and it works fine.
Another way, which doesn’t require you to change the shape of the chicken breasts, is to brine the chicken first.
How Long To Grill Chicken Breast Everything You Need To Know
Chicken is that type of meat that is dry when overcooked but can make you very sick if undercooked, which is why its important to get it right. Knowing just how long to grill a chicken breast can take practice as its almost an art. Our team of chefs is here to help you perfect your chicken breast grilling skills.
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How To Grill Chicken Breasts 101
I dont know about you guys, but we grill A LOT in the summer. And more often than not, its chicken. We throw in the occasional pork chop or burger, but we do chicken quite a bit. I know grilling can be intimidating for a lot of people, so I thought I would break down how you cook several different kinds of chicken this summer you can learn more about grilling chicken thighs here and grilling chicken legs here now lets talk about grilling chicken breasts!
Use your grilled chicken breasts in these amazing Buffalo Chicken Wraps!
What Happens If The Chicken Is Undercooked
Properly cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. If it doesnt reach this temperature, it will be unsafe for consumption.
Other meats can be cooked to varying donenesses according to different preferences, but chicken can never be cooked rare. Undercooked chicken carries the risk of salmonella infection. Its also unappetizing.
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More Ways To Season Grilled Chicken Breast
Use this recipe as a jumping-off point for any of your favorite rubs and seasonings. In addition to the go-to chicken marinade Ive suggested in the recipe below, here are a few more ideas to get you started.
- Lemon Grilled Chicken Breast. Zest 1 additional lemon into your marinade. Finish the grilled chicken with an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
- Italian Grilled Chicken Breast. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning. Serve topped with a handful of grated Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
- BBQ Grilled Chicken Breast. Instead of marinating, brine the chicken by sprinkling it with kosher salt. Let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Brush off the excess salt. Baste the chicken with Barbecue Sauce before and halfway through grilling. Serve with extra sauce for dipping.
- Buffalo Grilled Chicken Breast. Instead of brushing the chicken with BBQ sauce per the above, brush it with Buffalo sauce. Then use it to top this Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
- Teriyaki Chicken Breast. Create a marinade using 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade to brush over the finished grilled chicken.