How Long to Grill Chicken Breast (Juicy Every Time)
If you’ve ever ended up with dry, rubbery chicken, you’re not alone. Learning how to grill chicken breasts can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.
This simple guide will show you exactly how to grill chicken breasts so they turn out juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time.
Mexican Grilled Chicken
The Secret to Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast
The secret? Not overcooking and letting it rest.
Pulling it off the grill right at 165°F keeps it juicy instead of dry and letting it rest after it cooks allows the juices to redistribute for tender chicken.
Step-by-Step: How to Grill Chicken Breast
- Prep the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F).
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and pound it to even thickness.
- Add Flavor: Season or marinate (see section below for ideas).
- Grill: Oil the grill grates, and grill the pieces for 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness (see chart below).
- PRO TIP: Don’t move the chicken once you place it on the grill!
- Flip Once: Flip the chicken and cook to an internal temp of 165°F, use a meat thermometer.
- Rest: Remove from the grill and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Crispy Grilled Pesto Chicken
How Long to Grill Chicken Breast
Chicken breasts take an average of 8–14 minutes total on a grill over medium-high heat, depending on thickness.
| Thickness | Time | Temp |
|---|
| Thin (½ inch thick) | 8-10 minutes | 165°F |
| Normal (1 inch thick) | 10-14 minutes | 165°F |
| Thick (1 ½ inch thick) | 14-18 minutes | 165°F |
| | |
What Temperature Should My Grill Be for Grilling Chicken Breast
Grill chicken over medium-high heat (400–450°F).
Too hot = burnt outside, raw inside
Too low = dry, tough chicken
3 Ingredient Grilled Chicken Marinade
Biggest Mistakes – Why Chicken Breast Turns Out Dry
Grilling chicken is a great quick and easy dinner idea, but there are some things to avoid:
- Overcooking (the #1 mistake)
- Uneven thickness
- Cooking on heat that’s too high
- Flipping too often – only 1 flip needed!
- Not letting it rest
Marinade vs Dry Rub
When it comes to adding flavor to chicken, you can keep it as simple as salt and pepper, or you can use a marinade or dry rub.
- Marinades add moisture and flavor
- Dry rubs create a flavorful crust
Favorite chicken marinades:
Favorite chicken dry rubs:
Grilled Chicken with Oregano
Grilled Chicken FAQs
Should you grill chicken with the lid open or closed? Chicken should be grilled with the lid closed. It’s ok to leave the lid open while you sear the chicken, but the chicken will cook the best with the lid closed.
How many times do you flip chicken? Once! Chicken should only be flipped one time. If you flip it multiple times, it’s more likely to get dried out.
Can you grill frozen chicken breast? Yes, you can grill frozen chicken breast directly, but it requires specific techniques to ensure it is cooked safely and properly. Grill over medium-low heat for about 50% longer than thawed chicken (approx. 15–20 minutes), ensuring a safe internal temperature.
How to Tell Chicken is Done (Without a Thermometer) The chicken should feel firm but slightly springy to the touch, and juices should run clear.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover grilled chicken breasts should be stored in an airtight container. They will keep for 3-4 days.
Chicken should be reheated using low heat so that the chicken doesn’t dry out. It can be reheated in the oven at 300 degrees F in a baking dish covered with foil. You can also add a little chicken broth or water in the pan to help the chicken stay moist.
Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Once you get the hang of how to grill chicken breast, it’s one of the easiest, most reliable dinners you can make. A few simple tricks make all the difference, and once you taste how juicy it can be, you won’t go back to dry chicken again.
Our Favorite Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes
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Grilled Chicken Breast (Basic Method)
This easy grilled chicken breast method gives you juicy, tender chicken every time. With simple seasoning, the perfect grill temperature, and a few key tips, you’ll never end up with dry chicken again. Use this as your go-to base for salads, sandwiches, or your favorite grilled chicken recipes.
Course Mom’s Best 100 Easy Chicken Recipes
Keyword chicken, grilled, grilled chicken, grilling, how to, how to grill chicken, summer
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 25 minutes minutes
Servings 4
Author Carrian Cheney
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- Oil
- Salt and Pepper if desired
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and pound it to even thickness.
4 Chicken Breasts
Season or marinate depending on what flavor profile you desire.
Salt and Pepper
Oil the grill grates, and grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Oil
Flip the chicken and cook to an internal temp of 165°F, use a meat thermometer.
Remove from the grill and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.