How to Grill Chicken Breasts

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 45

Servings: 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

Author: Carmy

Course: BBQ

Cuisine: American, Canadian

Nutrition Disclaimer

Recipes To Use The Grilled Chicken Breasts In

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