Mastering The Art Of Grilling Thin Chicken Breasts

how long to bbq thin chicken breasts

Thin chicken breasts are a BBQ classic, but they can be tricky to get right. The thin shape of the cutlets means they cook faster and more evenly, but they can also dry out or burn more easily. So, how long should you BBQ thin chicken breasts?

Characteristics Values
Chicken breast thickness 1/4-1/2 inch
Marinade ingredients Olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, dried herbs, salt, pepper
Marinade time 30 minutes to overnight
Grill temperature 425-450°F
Cooking time 2-3 minutes per side
Internal temperature 165°F

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Marinade ingredients

To make a marinade for thin chicken breasts, you can use a variety of ingredients to add flavour and moisture to the meat. A good marinade will ensure your chicken is juicy and tender.

A simple marinade can be made with just olive oil, which will keep the chicken moist. You can also add balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, or lemon zest. Lemon juice or vinegar will help to tenderise the meat, but be careful not to use too much as it can also give the meat a leathery texture. You can also add Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dried rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

For a zesty marinade, you can combine extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Another option is to whisk together brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and pepper.

You should marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, leave it for 4-6 hours or even overnight.

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Marinating time

One source recommends marinating the chicken for at least half an hour, but preferably for up to 2 hours for better flavour. Another suggests that the chicken should be left to marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. A third source recommends a minimum of 30 minutes, but also notes that the chicken can be left to marinate overnight for an even more intense flavour.

It is worth noting that one source suggests that marinating alone will not prevent grilled chicken from drying out, and can sometimes be the cause of the problem. However, this source does recommend a marinade recipe that, when combined with their cooking technique, will ensure tender, juicy, and flavourful grilled chicken every time.

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Grill preparation

Before grilling your chicken breasts, there are a few steps you should take to prepare your grill. Firstly, preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes. This is an important step, as it ensures that your grill is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and effectively. Once your grill is fully heated, use a grill brush to scrape away any remnants from previous cookouts. This will ensure that your grill grates are clean and ready to go.

If you're using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with white ash before adding your chicken. For gas grills, heat your grill to between 425 and 450°F. You can also oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure those beautiful sear marks on your chicken.

When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple. You can use a basic marinade of olive oil, garlic, and dried herbs, or a store-bought BBQ sauce if you're looking for some extra heat. If you decide to marinate your chicken, place it in a large plastic zip-top bag with the marinade and ensure that the chicken is fully submerged. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for fuller flavour.

Now that your grill is prepped and your chicken is seasoned, you're ready to start grilling! Place your chicken breasts on the pre-heated grill over direct medium heat. If you're using a meat probe, insert it into the chicken to monitor the internal temperature. Grill your chicken for around 9-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until you achieve those beautiful, even sear marks on each side.

Remember, the key to juicy, tender grilled chicken is to avoid overcooking. Once the internal temperature of your chicken reaches 165°F, it's time to remove it from the grill. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to seal in those delicious juices.

With these grill preparation tips, you're well on your way to becoming a BBQ master!

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Cooking time

The cooking time for thin chicken breasts depends on the method of cooking and the temperature.

If you are grilling thin chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook them for around 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is because thin chicken cutlets cook much quicker than whole chicken breasts due to their size. Be careful not to overcook them, as chicken can become dry.

If you are using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with white ash before adding the chicken.

For a gas grill, preheat to 425-450°F and cook for around 9-10 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts over at the halfway point.

If you are baking thin chicken breasts in the oven, bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. Then, brush the top side of the chicken with BBQ sauce and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the sauce is charred and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the internal temperature to reach 165°F.

If you are pan-frying thin chicken breasts, cook for a few minutes on each side over medium heat.

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Resting time

The recommended resting time for thin chicken breasts is around 3 to 4 minutes. This timing is perfect as it allows you to get the chicken onto plates, add sides, and serve it on the table. During the resting time, the internal temperature of the chicken will also rise slightly, reaching the ideal temperature of 165°F. This ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and is safe to consume.

While the chicken is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or finalise your plate presentation. It is important not to cut into the chicken during the resting time, as this will release the juices and affect the overall texture and taste of the meat.

Additionally, if you are cooking a larger batch of chicken breasts, it is recommended to let them rest for a few minutes before transferring them to a platter or plate. This helps to keep the chicken warm and juicy, ensuring that all pieces are served at the optimal temperature.

Frequently asked questions

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

Grill chicken breasts for around 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

The internal temperature of chicken breasts should be 165°F.

Heat your grill to between 425 and 450°F for chicken breasts.

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