Mastering The Art Of Bbqing Chicken Breasts Indirectly

Grilling chicken breasts is a delicate art. Too much time on the grill and they dry out, too little and they're unsafe to eat. The key to getting it right is using two-zone cooking, which means cooking the meat with both direct and indirect heat. But how long should you grill a chicken breast for if you're using indirect heat?

Marinating the chicken

For the fat component, olive oil is a solid choice, but other affordable options like vegetable or canola oil will also work. For acid, you can use white wine vinegar, other types of vinegar, wines, fruit juices, Worcestershire sauce, or a combination of these. Italian dressing is also a great store-bought option.

When it comes to seasonings, you can use pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, or add your own favourite fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, or peppers. For salt, kosher salt or sea salt are great options, but you can also use savoury ingredients like soy sauce. Finally, for sugar, white sugar is all you need, but you can also use brown sugar, honey, or molasses.

Place your trimmed chicken breasts in a gallon-sized zip-top bag and add your marinade. Press out any air, seal the bag, and massage the chicken to kickstart the marinating process. Refrigerate the chicken for 4 to 8 hours, or even overnight if you want to get the full flavour.

If you don't have time to prepare a marinade, you can simply season the chicken with salt and pepper or a fun seasoning mix.

Grill preparation

The first step to grilling chicken breasts is to prepare your grill. Start by preheating your grill to a medium/medium-high heat of around 400°F. You can do this by turning on all the burners and closing the lid for 10-15 minutes. Once the grill is fully heated, use a grill brush to scrape any remnants from previous cookouts off your grates. Ensure your grill grates are clean before you start cooking.

Next, you'll want to prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel and season them with salt and pepper or your desired seasoning. You can also marinate the chicken in a large plastic zip-top bag with your chosen marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a fuller flavour.

Once your grill is prepared and your chicken is seasoned, you're ready to start grilling! Place your chicken breasts on the pre-heated grill over direct medium heat.

Grill temperature

The ideal grill temperature for chicken breasts is between 350°F and 450°F.

When grilling chicken breasts, it is important to ensure that your grill is preheated to the correct temperature. This will help ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and efficiently. A grill that is not hot enough can result in chicken that is dry or unevenly cooked.

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a higher temperature is often recommended, with some sources suggesting a temperature of 400°F. This is because boneless, skinless chicken breasts are leaner and thinner than bone-in, skin-on breasts, and can benefit from the higher heat to retain moisture and cook quickly.

On the other hand, chicken breasts cooked at 350°F tend to be more juicy and tender, while those cooked at 400°F produce a crispier skin.

When using a combination of direct and indirect heat, it is important to maintain the grill temperature at a consistent level throughout the cooking process. This can be achieved by closing the grill lid, which helps to prevent heat loss and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the grill temperature may vary depending on the type of grill you are using. For example, a gas grill may require different temperature settings than a charcoal grill.

In any case, it is always important to ensure that your chicken breasts are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving. This can be checked using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.

Cooking time

The cooking time for BBQ chicken breasts with indirect heat varies depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the grill.

Preparation

Before placing the chicken on the grill, it is important to ensure that the grill is clean and well-heated. Preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes and use a grill brush to scrape any remnants from previous cookouts. The grill temperature should be set to medium or medium-high heat, approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill over indirect heat and close the lid. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the grill, but it typically takes around 25-30 minutes for the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 155 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.

Switching to Direct Heat

Once the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit at its thickest point, switch to direct heat. Cook the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the skin is well-browned and crisp. The total cooking time for the chicken breasts will be around 30-40 minutes.

Resting

After removing the chicken from the grill, it is important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise slightly. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part of the breast.

Internal temperature

The internal temperature of the chicken breast is the most important factor in determining whether it is cooked or not. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at its thickest part. However, it is recommended to take the chicken off the grill when it reaches around 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as the temperature will continue to rise by a few degrees while it rests.

To monitor the internal temperature, it is advisable to use a reliable food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones, to get an accurate reading.

When grilling chicken breasts, it is best to use a combination of direct and indirect heat. Start by cooking the chicken over direct heat for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side. Then, move to indirect heat for an additional 5 to 10 minutes without flipping. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature.

It is important to note that the grilling time may vary depending on factors such as grill temperature and meat thickness. Therefore, it is always recommended to use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.

Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise slightly.

Frequently asked questions