How Long to Boil Chicken Breast Before Grilling for Juicy, Flavorful Results

It’s easy to get dry, overcooked chicken when you grill it if you’re not careful. Boiled chicken is a great way to make sure it stays moist and tasty after being cooked on the grill. But how long should you boil chicken breasts before putting them on the grill? Let’s talk about this method in detail.

Why Boiling Chicken Breast Helps

Briefly boiling chicken breasts before grilling is a good idea for a few main reasons.

• Even cooking—Partially cooking the chicken in water before grilling makes it heat up evenly and keeps the meat from being undercooked.

• Extra moisture – The boiling process helps chicken breasts retain moisture vs other cooking methods.

• Infuses flavor – You can add herbs, spices, citrus etc. to the boiling water to impart extra flavor.

• Tenderizes – Boiling begins to gently break down proteins, tenderizing the meat.

So by starting chicken in boiling water, you’re setting yourself up for ideally cooked, juicy, and flavorful grill results.

Recommended Boil Times

The time it takes to boil depends on things like the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Here are general guidelines:

• Small chicken breasts (4-6 oz): Boil for 10-12 minutes

• Average sized chicken breasts (6-8 oz): Boil for 12-15 minutes

• Large/thick chicken breasts (8 oz+): Boil for 15-18 minutes

Checking for doneness along the way with a meat thermometer is helpful. Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F when done.

Step-By-Step Boiling Method

Boiling chicken breasts before grilling is simple to do:

1. Season (optional) – Season chicken with salt, pepper, herbs etc. if desired. This adds flavor.

2. Boil – Place chicken in a pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Simmer – Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for recommended time.

4. Cool – Remove chicken from water and allow to cool for easier handling.

5. Marinate (optional) – At this point you can marinate for added flavor.

And now your chicken is ready for the grill!

Grilling Tips

Once your chicken breasts are boiled, follow these tips for grilling:

• Preheat grill to medium heat

• Grill breasts 6-8 minutes per side with grill lid closed

• Use meat thermometer to check 165°F

• Avoid flipping chicken too often

• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving

Flavoring Ideas

Seasoning the boiling water is key for infusing extra flavor. Try:

• Lemon, lime, orange slices

• Fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage

• Spices – garlic, onion, peppercorns

• Soy sauce, teriyaki

• Wine, beer

Experiment with marinades and rubs too. Get creative!

Mistakes to Avoid

When boiling chicken breasts before grilling, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overboil – This can lead to dry, rubbery meat

• Don’t crowd chicken – Allow space for even cooking

• Don’t ignore food safety – Prevent cross-contamination

• Don’t char chicken – Avoid very high grill heat

The Benefits of Boiling Before Grilling

Boiling chicken breasts briefly before tossing them on the grill offers several advantages:

• Juicier meat – Boiling seals in moisture

• Tender texture – Cooking in liquid tenderizes chicken

• No undercooking – Boiling first ensures chicken cooks through

• Versatile flavor – Seasoning boiling liquid adds taste

• Faster grilling – Partially cooked chicken grills more quickly

So if you find grilled chicken often turns out dry or unevenly cooked, try boiling your chicken breasts first. In 10-15 minutes of easy boiling, you can totally transform the end result!

Next time you fire up the grill, remember this trick for exceptionally tender, juicy and delicious chicken breast every time. Get ready to enjoy the best grilled chicken of your life!