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The most challenging protein to cook to perfection on the grill is chicken breasts, but when you do, man, isn’t it good! Chicken breasts are very lean and need to be cooked to the USDA minimum temperature to kill off salmonella, so it’s easy to overcook them, resulting in dried-out, tasteless protein. Follow these tips below to nail it every single time.
Tips to make perfectly grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a gas grill:
- Wet brining is preferable if you’re pressed for time because dry brining takes at least 3–4 hours for the salt to penetrate the meat. We tend to wet brine more frequently because we’re impatient and occasionally just want to grill.
- We typically use the following ingredients to make the brine: 3 cups of orange juice, 2 ounces of Morton table salt (because it dissolves more easily), and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. After mixing the ingredients until the salt is diluted, place the mixture in a large Ziploc bag or brining bag, and allow it to sit for no longer than 2 hours. After removing the breasts from the brine and patting them dry, season with the spice rub or blend of your choice.
FAQ
How long does it take to grill chicken breast on a gas grill?
Before cooking, preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat, or 350–400° F. Lightly grease grill surface and add chicken. Cook for 8 minutes with the lid shut, or until the bottoms are browned and have sear marks. Turn chicken over, cover, and cook for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do you cook chicken breast on the grill and what temperature?
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side.
- Temperature: Medium-high (400˚F)
- Best technique: Cook over direct heat until 165˚F.
What temperature do you cook chicken breast on a gas grill?
Chicken breasts should be placed on a plate and dried with a fresh paper towel. Sprinkle the salt and pepper mixture liberally on both sides. Heat grill to medium heat (approximately 400 degrees F). Cook chicken at medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side with direct heat (direct flame).
How do you grill chicken breast on a gas grill without drying it out?
Simple brine made from 1/4 cup kosher salt dissolved in 4 cups of water can be made in just 30 minutes. This is all the time the chicken breasts require to absorb moisture to the point where they can withstand the heat of the grill without drying out.
