Mastering The Art Of Bbq Chicken Breast Perfection

how long to bbq chicken hreast

Grilled chicken is a classic at any barbecue, but it can be tricky to get right. The key to juicy grilled chicken is in the preparation, cooking temperature, and timing.

Characteristics Values
Time 5-10 minutes per side
Temperature 350-525°F
Technique Cook over direct heat, flip once, and remove from grill when internal temperature reaches 165°F

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Marinade: Marinade your chicken for 2-4 hours

When preparing chicken breasts for the barbecue, it's important to consider the marinade, the temperature of the grill, and how long to cook the meat.

Marinade

Marinades are a great way to add flavour to chicken breasts. They usually consist of some type of sugar, salt, and acid, along with a variety of other flavour enhancers. A great marinade requires:

  • Fat: from oil or even full-fat yogurt or buttermilk
  • Acid: from vinegar or citrus fruit
  • Seasonings: like spices and herbs

It is recommended that you marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to impart flavour and moisture into the meat. Bone-in chicken breasts will require a longer marinade time than boneless chicken breasts. Marinating chicken for 2 to 4 hours will give your chicken a great flavour. However, it's important not to marinate chicken for too long—the USDA recommends not keeping poultry in marinade for longer than two days, as it may start to break down the meat's fibres and make it mushy.

To marinate chicken breasts, place them in a large plastic zip-top bag and pour in the marinade, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. You can also use a fork or needle-like injector to make random holes in the chicken to help infuse the marinade into the meat.

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Temperature: Preheat your grill to 375-475°F

Temperature is a crucial factor when grilling chicken breasts. While the exact temperature you should aim for depends on the type of chicken breast and grill you're using, preheating your grill to 375-475°F is generally recommended.

Gas or Electric Grills

For gas or electric grills, Sean McLendon, Farmer Focus Vice President of Research and Development and a James Beard-nominated chef, recommends a temperature between 475-525°F. At this temperature, a 7-9 ounce boneless breast should be cooked for around 12-16 minutes.

Charcoal Grills

For charcoal grills, it's important to ensure that the coals are not too hot when you start. You should aim for a temperature where you can hold your hand over the coals for 2-3 seconds.

Bone-In vs Boneless Chicken Breasts

Bone-in chicken breasts generally require a lower temperature and longer cooking time than boneless breasts. McLendon notes that bone-in breasts typically need to cook for about 3-5 minutes longer than boneless breasts.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Breasts

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Flip your chicken breasts within the first 5 minutes of grilling, then cook for another 3-4 minutes before flipping again.
  • If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can check the doneness of the chicken by pressing on the thickest part of the breast. If it feels similar to the area between your thumb and the top of your fist when you make a tight fist, it's likely done.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill to prevent the juices from escaping.
  • Preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes to ensure it's fully heated and clean.
  • Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • Marinate your chicken breasts before grilling to add flavor and moisture.
  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • Poke holes in the chicken breasts to help the marinade absorb more quickly.

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Timing: Grill for 6-16 minutes, flipping halfway

Timing is everything when it comes to grilling chicken breasts. You want to ensure that your chicken is cooked through but still juicy and tender. The timing will depend on a few factors, such as the size of the chicken breast, the temperature of your grill, and whether your chicken breast has a bone or not.

Timing for Boneless Chicken Breasts

For boneless chicken breasts, you'll want to grill them for a total of 12 to 16 minutes. This timing is based on a grill temperature of 475 to 525 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered the sweet spot for cooking chicken.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you time it perfectly:

  • Place your marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill, with the lid closed to retain heat.
  • Grill the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes on the first side. This step will give you those beautiful grill marks.
  • After the initial 6 to 8 minutes, flip your chicken breasts. It's best to only flip once to keep the juices locked in.
  • Grill the chicken for another 6 to 8 minutes on the second side.
  • Check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest.

Timing for Bone-in Chicken Breasts

If you're grilling bone-in chicken breasts, you'll need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Bone-in breasts typically take 3 to 5 minutes longer than boneless breasts. So, for bone-in chicken breasts, grill them for a total of 15 to 21 minutes, flipping them once at the halfway point. As with boneless breasts, the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Perfect Timing

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding any bones.
  • If you don't have a thermometer, you can also check for doneness by pressing on the thickest part of the chicken breast. When it feels firm but yields a little to the touch, it's likely done.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender chicken breast.

Now you're equipped with the timing know-how to grill juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time!

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Resting: Cover with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes

Resting your chicken is a crucial step in the cooking process. Once your chicken breasts have reached an internal temperature of 165°F, it's time to remove them from the grill. Immediately cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential, as it allows the juices to redistribute and reabsorb into the meat, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender.

During this resting period, the juices that have accumulated on the surface of the chicken will seep back into the meat, making it moist and flavourful. The foil covering helps to trap the heat and slow down the cooling process, keeping your chicken at a safe temperature while it rests.

Resting the chicken also gives you time to finish preparing any side dishes or sauces that you may be serving with your meal. It is a good opportunity to ensure all components of your dish are ready and can be served together.

Additionally, the resting period allows the chicken to reach the perfect temperature for serving. While 165°F is the safe internal temperature for consuming chicken, letting it rest for a few minutes will allow the temperature to rise slightly, ensuring it is hot and ready to be enjoyed.

Finally, resting the chicken gives you a chance to clean up your grilling area and prepare any utensils or cutting boards you may need for serving. It is a good opportunity to ensure everything is ready so you can focus on enjoying your meal.

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Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature

Thermometers are the best way to guarantee that your chicken is cooked properly. Forget timers, charts, and the poke test. Temperature readings are accurate and unwavering.

  • Calibrate your thermometer: Calibrating your thermometer is crucial to ensure accurate temperature readings, especially for food safety. You can do this by using ice water. Fill a glass with ice cubes and add cold water until the glass is full. Stir the mixture gently to ensure even temperature distribution. Insert the thermometer probe into the ice water, making sure it doesn't touch the sides or bottom of the glass. Wait for the thermometer reading to stabilize, which should be very close to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). If the reading is off, consult your thermometer's manual for calibration instructions or consider purchasing a new thermometer.
  • Clean and sanitize: Before and after each use, thoroughly clean and sanitize your thermometer to prevent cross-contamination. Use warm, soapy water to clean the probe, and then sanitize it with a food-safe sanitizer.
  • Insert the thermometer correctly: When using a probe thermometer, insert the probe into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding any bones or fatty areas. Ensure that the probe is inserted deep enough to reach the center of the meat without touching any bones or the cooking surface.
  • Wait for the reading: Allow the thermometer to stabilize and give an accurate reading. This may take a few seconds for instant-read thermometers or a few minutes for probe thermometers. Avoid removing the thermometer too quickly, as this can result in an inaccurate reading.

The recommended safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). This temperature kills any harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or Campylobacter, making the chicken safe to eat.

It's important to note that the cooking time for chicken depends on the cooking method and the cut of chicken. Grilling chicken breasts usually takes around 6-9 minutes per side for a boneless breast and 10-15 minutes per side for a bone-in breast.

Frequently asked questions

Grill chicken breasts for around 9 to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.

Grill chicken breasts for around 5 minutes on each side.

Internal temperature of chicken breasts should be 165°F.

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