Grilled chicken breast is a weeknight hero. It is lean, healthy, and quick to cook. But getting it perfectly juicy and tender every time? That’s where most home cooks struggle. Too often, the meat turns out dry, chewy, or unevenly cooked. Wondering how to grill chicken breast perfectly? With the right techniques, you can grill chicken breasts that are deliciously moist and packed with flavour every single time.
Whether you’re firing up the barbecue on a sunny weekend or using a grill pan indoors, this guide will walk you through everything. From preparation and marination to grilling and resting, we’ll help you out.
How To Grill The Best Chicken Breast
Wondering how to grill the best chicken breast? Follow these simple steps and you’ll master the art of juicy, tender, and flavour-packed chicken every single time!
1. Start With Quality Chicken
First, we’ll help you understand how to prepare grilled chicken breast.
The secret to a great grilled chicken dish begins with the chicken itself. Always choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts.
At Ingham’s Australia, our 100% Aussie chicken is sourced from trusted local farmers who care about quality and taste. Using premium chicken ensures that your dish not only tastes better but also cooks evenly and safely.
If possible, choose chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. This helps them cook at the same rate, preventing one from drying out before the others are done.
One of our favourites for grilling is the Ingham’s Fresh Chicken Breast Frames RW. It is a versatile option that gives you plenty of lean breast meat ready for your grill efforts.
2. Pound or Butterfly for Even Cooking
One of the biggest mistakes people make is grilling chicken breasts straight out of the pack without flattening them. Chicken breasts are thicker at one end and thinner at the other, which means the thinner part cooks faster and can dry out.
To fix this, pound the chicken breast using a rolling pin or meat mallet until it’s even all over. Alternatively, you can butterfly the breast by slicing it horizontally in half.
3. Marinate for Flavour and Moisture
A good marinade does two things: it adds flavour and keeps your chicken juicy. Marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours if you have time.
Use a mix of:
- Olive oil or Greek yoghurt (for moisture)
- Lemon juice or vinegar (for tenderness)
- Garlic, herbs, and spices (for flavour)
You can also try a light honey mustard or Caesar-style marinade to mix things up.
Don’t skip the oil in your marinade. It helps the chicken retain moisture while grilling and prevents sticking.
4. Preheat and Prep the Grill
If you’re thinking about how to grill chicken breast on the grill, don’t worry. We’re here to help you out.
Before your chicken even touches the grill, preheating is essential. Set your grill to medium-high heat (around 200°C) and let it warm up.
Then, oil the grates lightly using a brush or paper towel dipped in oil. This step creates those perfect grill marks and prevents the chicken from tearing when you flip it.
Always remember to clean your grill before and after each use. Residue buildup can cause sticking and affect flavour.
5. Master the Grill Timing
So, how do you grill chicken breast? Once the grill is hot, it’s time to cook! Place the chicken breasts on the grill and close the lid.
- Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Don’t press or poke the chicken as it releases precious juices.
- Flip only once for the best sear and char.
Your chicken is quite ready when the internal temperature hits 74°C (use a meat thermometer for accuracy). If you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear and the inside is white, not pink.
If the outside is browning too fast, move the chicken to indirect heat. This will help you to finish cooking without burning.
6. Let It Rest
This step might seem minor, but it’s a game-changer. Once off the grill, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and moist.
Cover loosely with foil while resting to retain warmth.
7. Add Finishing Touches
Now for the fun part: dressing it up! Grilled chicken breast is wonderfully versatile, so pair it with whatever you love:
- Toss it over a Caesar salad for a light, protein-rich meal.
- Slice it into a wrap or sandwich for a quick lunch.
- Serve it with grilled veggies or brown rice for a healthy dinner.
If you’re short on time or cooking for a crowd, another great option is the Ingham’s Fresh Diced Chicken Breast RW. It is perfect for making quick skewers, salads or stir-fries after a quick grill.
How Long To Grill Chicken Breast?
Wondering what the chicken breast grill time is? On average, it takes about 15 to 17 minutes to grill chicken breasts. Therefore, it’s roughly 7 to 8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C at the thickest part. For best results, remove the chicken from the grill once it hits around 70°C and let it rest for around 5 minutes.
As it rests, the internal temperature will rise slightly while the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and full of flavour.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best home cooks make a few grilling errors. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Skipping the preheat: Cold grates cause sticking and uneven cooking.
- Over-marinating: Too much acid for too long can toughen the meat.
- Flipping too often: Let the grill do its job — one flip is enough.
- Cutting too soon: Patience pays off; let it rest before slicing.
Final Thoughts
With our blog, we hope we’ve helped you understand how to make a juicy grilled chicken breast. Grilling the perfect chicken breast isn’t about luck; it’s about technique. So, fire up your grill, grab your favourite Ingham’s chicken, and try these tips today.
At Ingham’s Australia, you’ll get the best 100% Aussie chicken, raised with care and quality you can taste in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, you’ll master the art of juicy grilled chicken every single time.
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