How To Grill Perfect Chicken Breast
Grilling chicken seems like it would be a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how often it comes out dry and flavorless! Often times I will grill chicken for neighborhood taco night and friends will ask how I get the chicken so juicy. So here’s how I do it.
This is a very versatile recipe for chicken breast, and be used for sandwiches, salads, pizza, tacos etc. I like to make a big batch at the beginning of the week so that I have it in my fridge and it is also more efficient for the propane usage. The secret to this recipe is in the temperature of the grill, and just turning the chicken once.
I love my Thermapen, which I use every time I cook chicken so that I know when it hits 165 degrees exactly. This is the only meat thermometer that I totally trust, and I love that the reading is instant (plus it doesn’t have to be re-callibrated). Miles was the one who got me hooked on Thermoworks products when he started using them in his home brew setup. I know they’re expensive but I think they are totally worth it.
- 5 chicken breasts (not frozen)
- 1 Tbsp Sea Salt
- 1 Tbsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup EVOO
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- pinch of cayenne
- Rinse and completely dry chicken breasts.
- On a large plate drizzle olive oil over chicken to coat.
- Season breasts by sprinkling with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and oregano on each side.
- Cover and let rest for 1 hour in the fridge. Remove about 15 mins prior to grilling.
- Heat gas grill to 500 degrees (mine takes about 5 mins on high setting)
- Place chicken on grill (it should make a hissing sound) and grill for 5 mins at 500 degrees with grill lid down.
- After 5 mins turn chicken (it should have dark grill marks and release from grill easily depending on how well seasoned your grill is).
- Grill for another 4 mins without reducing the temperature of the grill.
- After 4 mins check chicken by folding one piece in half with tongs (see picture) or taking a temperate reading (should be 165 degrees). The chicken should break in half, and there should be no pink. Juices will be clear.
- Let rest for 10 mins before cutting so that juices don't run out.
How To Grill Perfect Chicken Breast
How To Grill Perfect Chicken Breast
August 8, 2016 @ 9:32 pm
I was making a grilled chicken caprese and wanted my husband to grill the chicken breasts but he was hesitant because he said they always come out dry. I found your recipe and the chicken breast came out perfect! Thank you so much for posting this recipe. My husband was amazed and is no longer afraid to grill chicken breast!
August 8, 2016 @ 9:34 pm
Glad you guys enjoyed it!
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August 20, 2017 @ 6:32 pm
I love your recipe! My chicken comes out perfect every time. I can cook chicken better than all of my friends. I’m big into fitness and eating healthy. This recipe helps me cook tasty chicken in bulk. Thanks for sharing!
August 20, 2017 @ 6:35 pm
So awesome!! Glad you like it:)
September 22, 2017 @ 8:39 am
Thank you so much for this, this is a family favorite now. I was wondering how long you would suggest to cook tenders this same way?
Thanks again for sharing this recipe and the tips.
September 22, 2017 @ 9:29 am
Awesome!! Glad you guys like it! Hmm hard to know on the tenders because they can be all different sizes! If they’re an inch thick or so I would say 2-3 mins on high, each side just to be safe. Again though, when it splits easily when you bend it in half, it’s done! Have fun:)
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November 8, 2020 @ 11:06 pm
This recipe is AMAZING. I will eat this for the rest of my life! So good and easy-peasy.