How Long To Grill Chicken Breasts
According to the USDA, all poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Using an instant-read meat thermometer is really the only accurate way to gauge your chicken’s doneness. But in the case that you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken and ensure that the juices run clear. Here are the estimated grilling times for chicken breasts, based on an internal temp of 165 degrees F.
- Boneless chicken breasts: 7 to 8 minutes per side
- Bone-in chicken breasts: 15 minutes per side
Cuts Of Chicken For Grilling
In our kitchen, were most commonly making grilled chicken breasts, but you can grill every cut of chicken. They all serve a unique purpose.
- Breast: it doesnt get much better than a perfectly grilled chicken breast! Chicken breast is lean and perfect for topping salads with.
- Legs: having a party? Go chicken legs! Why? Theyre super flavorful, inexpensive, and easy to grill! Try our famous Grilled Chicken Legs recipe.
- Thighs: my personal favorite cut of chicken to grill is chicken thighs. You can get the skin nice and crispy while keeping the meat juicy and delish.
- Wings: game day? Try grilling your chicken wings for easy clean-up! You can use our dry rub or buffalo chicken wing recipes, but grill them instead!
- Whole chicken: a whole chicken?! Thats right! You can grill an entire chicken and its easier than you think. Try our grilled beer butt chicken for starters!
How Long To Grill Chicken Wings
Like thighs and breasts, the USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to know when your chicken wings are done, but you can use this estimated cooking time as a guide:
- Whole chicken wings: 25 minutes total, flipping occasionally
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A Chicken On Every Grill
Chicken is lean, versatile and cheap, but for a dish so seemingly simple, why is chicken on the grill frequently so tough? Or dried out, too pink in the middle or just kinda ho-hum? Well, it won’t be this summer! We’ve got solutions for all your mistakes, plus recipes and easy techniques to help you make great grilled chicken.
*86% of you barbecue some bird at almost every cookout, according to a recent Every Day with Rachael Ray survey.
The Days Of Dull Dry Chicken Are Over Learn How To Grill Chicken Breast For The Easiest Summer Dinner

If youve never experienced a dry chicken breast, Im truly jealous. Biting into a grilled chicken sandwich or protein-packed salad and instead of that wonderfulness, tasting a dull, chalky chunk of chicken is just sad. Unfortunately, turning out tasteless poultry is a common problem, especially among new cooks. Chicken is a delicate protein that dries out fast. One minute too long on the heat can take the bird from tender and juicy to boring and blah.
But with a few simple tips from our Test Kitchen, you dont need to worry about making dry chicken again. Well show you how to grill chicken and keep it perfectly juicy and ready for salads, sandwiches and more. Learning how to make grilled chicken has never been so easy!
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The Spices Youll Need
Keep in mind that this really is just a basic guideline and you can sub in your favorites, but I have been loving this mix just as is!
- Dried Thyme I usually use dried, but you can use fresh if you have it. If using fresh, youll want to use 3 tablespoons instead of 1.
- Dried Oregano The same as the thyme above if subbing in fresh, use 3 tablespoons. I would roughly chop it, as well.
- Ground Cumin This brings a smoky flavor that is a must for me!
- Paprika I have been a smoked paprika addict lately, so I will sometimes use smoked paprika instead of plain paprika. But both are delicious!
- Onion Powder This gives a lot of flavor.
- Salt I use kosher salt not table salt.
- Pepper I like freshly ground pepper, but regular pepper will work here, especially if you arent using all of the seasoning and saving some for later.
On A Gas Grill How Do You Cook Chicken
Before cooking, preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat . Grill the chicken on a lightly greased grill surface. Cook for 8 minutes, or until bottoms are browned and sear marks appear. Cook 7-10 minutes longer, or until internal temperature reaches 165° F. Rotate chicken, close lid, decrease the heat to medium, and cook 7-10 minutes more, or until internal temperature reaches 165° F.
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Grilled Chicken Method: Cooked Under A Brick
Timing: 10-minute prep time + 20-minute cook time
Rating: 7/10
I got unreasonably excited about the idea of brick-cooked chicken, because doesnt it just look like fun? This Italian method for cooking wood-fired chickens is most commonly used for whole, halved, or spatchcocked birds and the idea is simple and effective: A brick is wrapped in heavy foil, preheated on the grill, and then the seasoned chicken is pressed between the grill grates and the hot brick. This method helps cook the chicken more evenly and more quickly.
While I really loved the flavor of this chicken, and it did grill up somewhat moist, it felt like the chicken was squeezed through the grill grates, which pushed out a lot of the natural juices. I suspect the issue here is that boneless, skinless chicken breasts arent the best candidates for this method. Im looking forward to trying this again with halved chickens later this summer.
The Best Way To Grill Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
The ingredients and directions youll find in this recipe will give you the best, juiciest chicken breast on the grill.
You can use this method to grill chicken breast on a gas grill or a charcoal grill.
If you do not have a grill, you can use a grill pan like this one to cook the grilled chicken breast on the stove instead.
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Best Grilled Chicken Breast
Grilled chicken breasts can be the epitome of boring. Too often they’re dried out or rubbery. But when soaked in a super-quick with balsamic, brown sugar, and dried thyme you’re guaranteed deliciousness. Not to mention, grilling the breasts will lock in all those amazing flavors while providing some serious char.
How long can I keep the chicken in the marinade?
We’d recommend no longer than 24 hours! Technically you can keep raw chicken refrigerated for up to 2 days, but we don’t recommend marinating that long.
How do I keep the chicken from sticking on the grill?
As long as you give each side enough time, it shouldn’t! When your chicken gets those nice charred lines, it naturally releases from your grill grates. If you try to flip and the chicken feels stuck, try giving it another minute or two! It’ll release naturally, when it’s ready.
What should the internal temperature of my chicken be?
According to the FDA, all chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°. We prefer our chicken breasts closer to 150° because we’re rule breakers. Jokes aside, the real reason we don’t go all the way to 165° is because boneless skinless chicken breasts have basically no fat, so in order to maintain some juiciness we pull them a little early.
Can I adapt the marinade?
How hot should my grill be for chicken breasts?
What should I serve with this?
Made this recipe? Tell us how ya feel! Rate & comment below.
Freshly ground black pepper
Our Favorite Chicken Marinade
Use this marinade with one or more pounds of chicken .
- 1 Bottle of Zesty Italian Salad Dressing.
We LOVE this chicken grilled! . This chicken is also very good baked! Simply put it into a baking dish and bake at 350-400 for 15-25 minutes based on how thick your chicken pieces are.
Always cook chicken to 165 degrees internal temperature. See my Resources page for my recommendations on thermometers.
pice
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How Many Times Should You Flip Chicken On The Grill
For the most part, I like to grill my chicken breasts for around 10 minutes each side, turning them midway through, in order to achieve lovely sear marks on both sides of the chicken. 6. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a cooking thermometer or an iGrill to ensure it is at the proper temperature. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, take the meat from the grill and set it aside to cool.
How To Make Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Rinse The Chicken Pieces Thoroughly
Wash the chicken pieces and poke them with a fork before making this simple chicken meal. Combine the hanging curd, ginger, garlic, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper, salt, and garam masala in a large mixing bowl. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined.
Step 2. Serve It Hot After Grilling It To Perfection
Now add the chicken pieces and coat them in the masala mixture. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours after covering. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius once youve finished. Place the chicken pieces on a grilling tray after removing them from the marinade. Grill for 1 hour, flipping after 30 minutes to ensure even cooking on both sides. Take one piece of chicken out and cut it with a knife to see if its thoroughly done. Serve immediately with a salad or dip.
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How To Make Perfectly Grilled Chicken
The Spruce / Victoria Heydt
Potassium 60mg | 1% |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
Grilled chicken is one of the most popular dishes, no matter the circumstance or way of serving it, whether you serve a main dish or on a sandwich. Or at a cookout. Or at family dinners. You get the idea. People love grilled chicken. And no wonder: When done right, grilled chicken is super flavorful and goes with a huge array of side dishes. Sadly, grilled chicken is also one of the most frequently destroyed dishes out there, either thanks to overcooking or undercooking . Or sometimes, it’s just plain cooked at the wrong temperature, which allows the chicken to slowly but surely dry out.
Worry notthere is a much better way. If you start with a high-quality chicken , and follow this simple method, and learn how to grill bone-in chicken on a gas grill, you’ll be amazed. By pre-salting the bird and using indirect heat for the bulk of the cooking time, you will be rewarded with juicy, flavorful, tender chicken that tastes as chicken should.
Serve it with potato salad, baked beans for a backyard picnic during those summer days, or grab your favorite sides any time of the year.
Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
This simple grilled chicken breast recipe is seriously the best you will try! Coated in spices, its so perfectly juicy and charred. Get all my top tips and learn how to grill the most amazing chicken!
Summer is here and that means its time to get your grill on! This grilled chicken breast is so wonderfully flavorful and juicy, it simply must make an appearance at your next cookout!
Rubbed in herbs and spices, the breasts a full of flavor and ready to serve in 20 minutes. Serve it alongside your favorite sides like potato salad and grilled corn.
For another great grilling recipe, be sure to check out my Grilled BBQ Chicken.
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Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe
This Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe has a lemon, garlic, and herb marinade that makes for the absolute best grilled chicken. Youll make this recipe again and again!
This Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe has a lemon, garlic, and herb marinade that makes for the absolute best grilled chicken. Youll make this recipe again and again!
This recipe for Grilled Chicken Breasts is so simple, but packs a lot of flavor. It can be made on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or indoors on a grill pan or electric grill. Mix and match the herbs with fresh or dried herbs of your choice to switch things up. The lemon and garlic will pair well with almost any herb combination so you can experiment to your hearts desire.
Grilling The Chicken Thighs
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Grill Different Chicken Parts
The advantage of grilling different types of chicken pieceslike the breast, leg, thigh, and wingis that everyone eating can pick the piece they want the most. The problem, however, is getting all the pieces grilled perfectly so that no one piece is over or undercooked. Understand how to handle each cut of chicken:
Why Is Grilled Chicken Bad For You
That char includes substances known as heterocyclic amines , which have been linked to cancer in the past. According to a 2009 research, those who enjoy their steak very well done on the grill may be at greater risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those who do not. Another study conducted in 2015 found a relationship between the intake of grilled meats and kidney cancer.
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How Long Do You Cook Chicken Breast On The Grill
The amount of time necessary to cook chicken breasts thoroughly depends on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. An average chicken breast takes somewhere between 10 and 14 minutes on a grill over medium-high heat to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or 5 to 7 minutes per side.
The Best Meat Thermometer

I LOVE this digital meat thermometer. Its an investment but totally worth it. Ive tried dozens of thermometers with inconsistent readings but this one is on the money every time.
If you dont own a meat thermometer, resist the urge to slice into the middle of a chicken breast thats a guaranteed way to lose most of the juices. Instead, prick the chicken with a fork to see if the juices run clear. If the juices are pink, the chicken isnt cooked through.
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Is Grilled Chicken Healthy
This dish is a healthy choice for all your outdoor parties this summer. It is a good source of protein, and we are using the leanest part of the chicken which is the breasts. Also, grilling helps seal in the flavors and nutrients of the meat and in the process, fats come off.
Lastly, we are using a homemade marinade for this one, which is a lot healthier than what you can find in your grocery stores.
Can Chicken Thighs Be A Little Pink
If you notice any pink or crimson, this indicates that they need to cook longer. This is due to the fact that chicken thighs can be somewhat pink in the middle while yet being fully cooked through. Its true that even when you overcook smoked chicken thighs, the flesh will still retain a rosy tint to it beneath the surface, even if the chicken is overdone.
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How Can You Tell When Grilled Chicken Breast Is Done Without A Thermometer
The safest, and only foolproof, way to check if chicken is done cooking is with a meat thermometer.
If you dont have a meat thermometer, you can test doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. If the meat is completely white and the juices run clear, the chicken should be done cooking. However, this can cause your chicken to dry out and doesnt prevent overcooking the chicken.
Now that you know how to grill chicken breasts, check out our best grilled chicken recipes.