Perfectly Grilled Chicken Breast: Your Guide to Juicy, Flavorful Success

Want to know how long to grill chicken breast for juicy, flavorful results? This easy recipe, including Southern Grilled Chicken method, is your BBQ secret weapon! Get my tips now.

Alright, let's get this chicken grilling party started! ever wonder how restaurants get their chicken so juicy? seriously, how long to grill chicken breast without turning it into shoe leather is a question i get asked all the time.

Honestly, it's easier than you think! we're talking flavorful, perfectly cooked chicken every. single. time.

Quick Hook: Juicy Chicken Awaits

Ready for chicken that's actually good ? This guide unlocks juicy, delicious grilled chicken breast . Get ready for amazing flavor and perfect results.

Grilling Chicken 101: Simplified

This recipe is all about perfecting plain grilled chicken. think classic american barbecue chicken on charcoal grill, but healthier and easier.

We're going back to basics. it's beginner-friendly and delivers consistent results, trust me. this method makes southern grilled chicken restaurant-quality, right in your backyard!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The biggest win? it's healthy! grilling is a fantastic way to cook chicken with minimal added fat. plus, it's so versatile.

Serve it with anything! you will never ask yourself how to cook chicken on the grill after your first try.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. what makes this recipe special is that it focuses on creating a juicy, flavourful base, that you can build upon!

Now, about the equipment you need

• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Instant-read thermometer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Plate or platter

How to Season Chicken For Grilling

These ingredients are what sets the perfect barbecue chicken on charcoal grill

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)

Secret Brine for Maximum Moisture

• 4 cups water (950 ml)
• 1/4 cup kosher salt (approximately 50g)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (approximately 50g)

The Perfect Seasoning Rub

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5 ml)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 ml)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (2.5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick) (1.25 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml)

Grilling the Chicken: Step-by-Step

I promise you that how to keep chicken moist on the grill is simple, if you follow the steps. This isn't rocket science, people!

1. (Optional) Brine: Combine brine ingredients, and soak chicken for 30 minutes.

2. Pat Dry: Seriously, get those breasts dry .

3. Pound it Out: Pound to ½ inch for even cooking.

4. Mix the Rub: Combine those spices!

5. Season Up: Drizzle with oil and generously rub with the seasoning.

6. Preheat and Clean: Medium-high heat (375- 450° F) and clean grates are key.

7. Grill Time: Grill 4- 6 minutes per side.

8. Temperature Check! Get that thermometer out! 165° F ( 74° C) is the magic number.

9. Rest, My Friend: 5- 10 minutes of rest makes a world of difference.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Hot off the grill!

I once made chicken charcoal grill for a picnic, and skipped the resting step. huge mistake. the chicken was so dry! lesson learned: always rest the chicken.

You know, it's like letting a good steak rest – same principle applies here.

Wrapping it Up: Grill Master Status Achieved

So there you have it! mastering grilled chicken breast is all about a few key techniques: brining, seasoning, and especially the right temperature.

Follow these steps, and you'll be grilling up juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will rave about. seriously, it's like becoming a how to bbq chicken on the grill champion.

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make the best plain grilled chicken . No crazy stuff. Just good eats.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's break down what you need. Don't worry, it's not a long list. I hate long lists! This focuses on the best Barbecue Chicken On Charcoal Grill recipe!

Main Ingredients for Amazing Grilled Chicken

Okay, here’s the deal. Quality in, flavor out. Sounds corny, but it’s true.

• Chicken breasts : 4 boneless, skinless (6-8 ounces each, roughly 680-900g). Get good ones! Fresh is best. Look for plump, pink chicken. Not pale or weird.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Extra virgin is my go-to. Adds a little flavor.
• Water: 4 cups (950 ml) – for brining, if you’re feeling fancy.
• Kosher salt: 1/4 cup (50g) – for brining
• Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) – for brining

Brining is a game-changer. Honestly, How To Keep Chicken Moist On The Grill is solved with this step alone. It adds moisture and flavor. Don't skip it if you have time!

Seasoning Notes: Simple is Sometimes Best

Flavor time. This is where How To Season Chicken For Grilling gets fun.

• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). It gives that awesome smoky Chicken Charcoal Grill flavor.
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Onion powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
• Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml). Just a pinch! Only if you like a little heat.
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Freshly cracked if you have it.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).

This combo is killer. you get that smoky, savory thing happening. it works great even if you're looking for grilled chicken no marinade .

If you want a southern grilled chicken vibe, add a pinch of brown sugar.

You can sub the dried stuff for fresh. Just use more! I'm using this How To Bbq Chicken On The Grill .

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Don't overthink it. This ain't rocket science, but there are simple things that you need to know about how long to grill chicken breast .

• Grill: Gas or charcoal. I love my charcoal grill. Gives that real deal BBQ flavour.
• Instant-read thermometer: MUST HAVE! This is How To Cook Chicken On The Grill and not mess it up.
• Mixing bowls: For brining and mixing spices.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken.
• Plate: To put the cooked chicken on.

Alright, let's get grilling! i hate dry chicken. honestly, nobody wants that. i know the difference between a dry, sad chicken breast and a juicy, flavorful one is all in the technique.

Seriously, it's not rocket science! so, let's break down the art of grilling chicken breast perfectly, every single time. think classic american bbq flavor but not bad for you.

Here’s the deal: perfectly grilled chicken breast: your guide to juicy, flavorful success .

Prep Like a Pro for the Best Barbecue Chicken On Charcoal Grill

First things first: mise en place! i can't say that enough. it's french, but it just means "get your stuff together.

" we're talking about boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6-8 ounces each. grab 4 of them. oh my gosh, get your spices ready too! a tablespoon of olive oil is non-negotiable! if you’re feeling fancy, brine them! combine 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of kosher salt, and 1/4 cup of sugar.

Soak the chicken for 30 minutes in the fridge.

Don't forget safety ! Raw chicken is no joke. Keep everything clean, wash your hands, and don't cross-contaminate!

How To Cook Chicken On The Grill: Step-by-Step

Okay, here’s how long to grill chicken breast :

1. Pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is super crucial, like, essential for getting a good sear. If they're uneven, whack ‘em with a rolling pin until they're about ½ inch thick.
2. Mix your seasoning: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling spicy. This is How To Season Chicken For Grilling , folks.
3. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub that seasoning all over. Get in there!
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. That’s around 375- 450° F (190- 230° C) . Clean the grates!
5. Place the chicken on the grill. Grill for 4- 6 minutes per side. Flip once . You want those pretty grill marks.
6. Use an instant-read thermometer! The internal temperature needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) . No guessing!
7. Let the chicken rest for 5- 10 minutes before slicing. This is so important!

Pro Tips: Southern Grilled Chicken Secrets

Seriously, don't overcook it! that's the number one sin. a thermometer is your best friend. uneven chicken cooks unevenly. pound it! letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute.

Clean your grill so the chicken doesn’t stick! brining adds moisture and flavor! for real. want grilled chicken no marinade ? follow the seasoning steps closely.

Honestly, learning how to keep chicken moist on the grill is all about paying attention. this is how to bbq chicken on the grill ! you can totally make the seasoning mix ahead of time.

Store it in an airtight container. use this technique for chicken charcoal grill , too. if you like plain grilled chicken, just skip the seasoning and use salt and pepper.

Alright, enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken! I swear you’ll never eat dry chicken again.

Okay, let's dive into those extra details to really make this grilled chicken recipe sing!

Recipe Notes: Grill Master Secrets!

Alright, so you're ready to tackle grilling some chicken. awesome! but before you fire up that grill, let's talk about some key stuff.

This is where you can really customize things and make this recipe your own. i have had a lot of experience in how to cook chicken on the grill , so pay attention!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so the chicken is cooked perfectly. now what? think about presentation! we're not just throwing it on a plate, right? i love slicing the chicken and fanning it out.

Maybe add a sprig of fresh parsley? ooh la la!

For sides, honestly, anything goes. Grilled asparagus is always a win. Or a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For drinks? Iced tea or a light beer. You know, BBQ vibes.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Leftover Plain Grilled Chicken ? No problem! Pop it in an airtight container and it will be good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Honestly, sometimes I grill extra just for leftovers.

Want to freeze it? go for it! just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first. when you want to eat chicken charcoal grill again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Variations: Spice it Up

Okay, this is where it gets fun. feel free to get wild here. want a little zing? add some cayenne pepper to the rub.

Bam! spicy southwest . or, for a lemon herb version, add lemon zest and some chopped rosemary.

Watching your carbs? Skip the sugar in the brine. And for my gluten-free friends, this recipe is already naturally gluten-free. Boom!

For a southern grilled chicken , mix some brown sugar and paprika into the seasoning. a bbq honey garlic glaze will kick it up a notch.

If you are going for something like grilled chicken no marinade or want how to season chicken for grilling , you may need to experiment!

I do like experimenting with Barbecue Chicken On Charcoal Grill , but have not tried that yet.

Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Too!

Okay, so this chicken is delicious, but is it healthy? yep! each serving is packed with protein (about 45g). i will keep you full and satisfied.

There's not much fat (around 8g) or carbs (just 2g).

Plus, chicken is a great source of lean protein. Perfect for building muscle and keeping you feeling great. I'm not a nutritionist, but it is clearly great!

The Grill Awaits!

So, that's it! all my secrets for the perfect how long to grill chicken breast for. seriously, follow these tips, and you will get how to keep chicken moist on the grill , and you'll be grilling like a pro in no time.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. grilling should be enjoyable!

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: how long to grill chicken breast to make sure it's cooked through but not like shoe leather?

Alright, no one wants tough chicken! The grilling time depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the heat of your grill. Generally, you're looking at about 8-12 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. The real key is to use an instant-read thermometer and pull the chicken off the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Resting it for a few minutes after grilling is crucial to maintain moisture!

What temperature should my grill be to grill chicken breast perfectly? I don't want a burnt offering!

We're aiming for a nice, even cook, not a charcoal briquette! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 375-450°F (190-230°C). This gives you those lovely grill marks without burning the outside before the inside is cooked. If your grill runs a bit hot, don't be afraid to lower the heat slightly to prevent overcooking.

I always end up with dry chicken! Any tips to keep my grilled chicken breast juicy? Is brining worth the bother?

Ah, the quest for juicy chicken! Absolutely brine your chicken – it's a game-changer. Soaking it in a saltwater solution for about 30 minutes before grilling adds moisture and flavor. Also, don't overcook it, and make sure you let it rest after grilling. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast – trust me, it's worth the wait!

Can I grill frozen chicken breast? Is that a culinary crime?

While it's possible to grill frozen chicken breast, it's generally not recommended. You'll have a harder time getting it to cook evenly, and the outside can become tough before the inside is done. For the best results, thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator before grilling. Think of it as giving your chicken the star treatment it deserves!

I'm trying to watch my calories. What's the nutritional info for grilled chicken breast? Is it a healthy choice?

Good on you for being health-conscious! Grilled chicken breast is a fantastic lean protein source and definitely a healthy choice. A 6-8 ounce serving is generally around 250 calories, with approximately 45g of protein, 8g of fat, and minimal carbs. Remember that this is approximate and can vary depending on added oils, sauces or marinades, so keep those in mind when counting your macros!

How long does grilled chicken breast last in the fridge? I always make too much!

Leftover grilled chicken breast is your friend! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will last for about 3-4 days. You can use it in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or even reheat it for a quick and easy meal. Just make sure it's properly stored to prevent any food safety issues – nobody wants a dodgy tummy!

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