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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Grill / How to Grill Chicken Breasts

    How to Grill Chicken Breasts

    Posted: Oct 1, 2021 Last Modified: Oct 1, 2021 by Carmy · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This Grilled Chicken Breast recipe comes out so juicy and tender on the inside while not being overly charred on the outside. All you need are a few simple ingredients and you’ll have the perfectly grilled chicken breasts in no time.

    Ever since getting a gas grill, making chicken breasts has been a breeze. I don’t have to turn on the stove and heat up the kitchen, I don’t have to wash a bunch of stuff, and it’s even easier when handing it off to my partner who loves his grill.

    Close up of one of two grilled chicken breasts on a plate.

    Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken

    • The grilled chicken breasts come out perfectly every time and can be used in a variety of ways. I love pairing it with salad but you can put it in wraps, burritos, quesadillas, grilled cheese, and more.
    • Grilled chicken takes next to no effort. Simple toss it on the grill, flip it over once, and you’re good to go!
    • All you need are a couple of pantry staples and you’ll have flavourful grilled chicken.

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Overhead view of chicken breasts, olive oil, and seasoning.
    • chicken breasts — make sure you pound them out so they’re even. They do not need to be thin! Simply place them in a large Ziploc bag and pound the thickest part of the breasts with a meat mallet. This way the thinner tapered part of the breasts do not overcook while we wait for the middle to cook through.
    • olive oil — or your favourite oil of choice.
    • seasoning — I use salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to season my grilled chicken.

    How to Grill Chicken

    Marinaded chicken breasts in a ziploc bag.
    • In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, add the chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well to combine until all the breasts are coated. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
    • Seasoned chicken breasts on the grill.
    • Chicken breasts on the grill.
    • Heat the grill to 400ºF.
    • Place the chicken breasts, smooth-side down.
    • Grill the chicken breasts on the grill for 6 to 8 minutes on one side with the grill covered.
    • Flip and grill for another 6 to 8 minutes. Cook time will vary a bit depending on the size of your chicken breast so use an instant read meat thermometer to check for doneness.
    • When done, remove the chicken breasts from the grill and transfer them to a plate. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
    A plate with multiple grilled chicken breasts.

    Recipe Tips and Notes

    • If the chicken breasts are stuck to the grill, give it a few more extra minutes. Similar to pan-searing chicken, the chicken should release once its ready to be flipped.
    • The internal temperature of the chicken breasts should reach 165°F (74°C) before taking them off the grill.
    My Recommendation
    This is my go-to meat thermometer for making sure that the internal temperature of my meat is good to go. It’s also magnetic so I have it on my fridge door to save drawer space!
    Get it Now!
    • Always let chicken rests before slicing. This gives the chicken breast time to redistrub the juices and remain moist. If you slice too early, all the juices will run out of the chicken.
    • Chicken breasts can be marinaded up to 8 hours in advance.
    • Want more ways to cook chicken? Try my Dutch Oven Chicken, Instant Pot Whole Chicken, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken, and Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.
    • This grilled chicken breast recipe was tested on a stainless steel gas grill.
    Two grilled chicken breasts on a plate.

    Make Ahead Tips

    • Meal prep: once cooled, store the cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
    • Freezer: allow the grilled chicken breasts to cool before transferring them into an airtight container before storing them in the freezer. They can last for up to 3 months.
    Close up of one of two grilled chicken breasts on a plate.
    How long to grill chicken breast?

    While it usually only takes 6 to 8 minutes per side, you should also use an instant read meat thermometer to check for doneness.

    What other seasoning can I add?

    Check your pantry and use what you have! Some ideas include dried herbs, lemon pepper, smoky chipotle, brown sugar with chili powder, and more.

    How do you keep chicken moist on the grill?

    Do NOT overcook the chicken! Also, avoid opening the grill as it lets out the heat. If you open the grill, it extends the cooking time and you risk drying out the chicken.

    Close up of one of two grilled chicken breasts on a plate.

    Grilled Chicken Breasts

    This Grilled Chicken Breasts recipe comes out so juicy and tender on the inside while not being overly charred on the outside. All you need are a few simple ingredients and you’ll have the perfectly grilled chicken breasts in no time.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 30 mins
    Cook Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 45 mins
    Servings: 5 servings

    Ingredients

    • 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
    • 1½ tbsp olive oil
    • 1½ tsp salt
    • 1½ tsp pepper
    • 1½ tsp paprika
    • 1½ tsp garlic powder
    • 1½ tsp onion powder

    Equipment

    • grill

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, add the chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well to combine until all the breasts are coated. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
    • Heat the grill to 400ºF.
    • Place the chicken breasts, smooth-side down.
    • Grill the chicken breasts on the grill for 6 to 8 minutes on one side with the grill covered.
    • Flip and grill for another 6 to 8 minutes. Cook time will vary a bit depending on the size of your chicken breast so use an instant read meat thermometer to check for doneness.
    • When done, remove the chicken breasts from the grill and transfer them to a plate. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
    Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 830mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
    Authour: Carmy
    Course: BBQ
    Cuisine: American, Canadian

    Recipes To Use The Grilled Chicken Breasts In

    • Chopped Chicken Salad
    • Chicken Cobb Salad (Meal Prep)
    • Strawberry Spinach Salad
    • Cold Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad
    • Freezer Chicken Burritos
    • Cold Chicken Pasta with Broccoli and Peas
    • Freezer Friendly Chicken and Cheese Hand Pies

    Other places to connect with me
    @carmyshungry on Instagram
    Facebook
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    Email: [email protected]

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    Carmy is a healthy-ish living blogger based in Toronto. Here you can find healthy-ish meal prep recipes, Instant Pot recipes, and lightened up family favourites! Follow along as she shares what she learns along the way!

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