How to Grill Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Breasts Without Burning Them

I can’t tell you how many times I have grilled chicken and ended up with burnt outsides and raw insides.

A lot of people (even pretty good home cooks) struggle with grilling chicken breast or chicken pieces on a gas grill without things going sideways.

Today, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to get juicy chicken breasts, crispy skin, and perfect grill marks.

Whether it’s your first time firing up the grill or you’re just looking for some simple tips to up your game this summer, you’re in the right place.

Grilling chicken breasts can seem daunting. It’s easy to end up with a dry, overcooked exterior and undercooked interior. But with the right techniques you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts off the grill every time. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know from preparation to monitoring temperature. Follow these tips and tricks for guaranteed success.

Choosing the Right Chicken Breasts

Opt for boneless, skinless breasts. The uniform thickness promotes even cooking.
Look for breasts of similar size. This prevents some cooking faster than others.
Go for fresh, quality chicken without off smells or colors.
If using frozen, thaw properly in the fridge overnight before grilling.

Prepping Your Chicken Breasts

Trim any excess fat or sinew for better presentation.
Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture that can inhibit browning.
Season right before grilling. Simple salt and pepper provides great flavor.
Consider marinating for added moisture and taste. Acidic marinades tenderize the meat.

Setting Up Your Grill for Success

Gas or charcoal work well. Electric and pellet grills can lack smoky flavor.
Two-zone fire with direct and indirect heat prevents burning.
Clean grates ensure the chicken doesn’t stick. Brush them with oil too.
Preheat for 15 minutes at medium-high or 350-450°F.

Grilling Process Step-By-Step

Sear over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side to get nice grill marks.
Move to indirect heat and close lid to finish cooking, about 6-8 more minutes.
Flip only once during cooking to get an even sear. Don’t press down.
Brush with sauce during last few minutes if glazing.

Monitoring Temperature and Doneness

Use an instant-read thermometer to test internal temperature.
Insert into thickest part of breast and check for 165°F.
If no thermometer check for clear juices and opaque, firm meat.
Thickness impacts time, allow more time for thicker breasts.

Letting Your Chicken Rest

Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Resting allows juices to redistribute so chicken stays juicy.

Common Grilling Mistakes to Avoid

Placing chicken on a cold grill
Cooking solely over direct high heat
Pressing down on breasts while they cook
Moving chicken constantly instead of letting it cook
Failing to track thickness or internal temperature
Cutting into chicken right off the grill
Skipping marinade and not oiling grill grates

Tips for Extra Juicy and Flavorful Chicken

Marinate in acidic ingredients like yogurt, citrus, vinegar.
Brine in a saltwater solution for enhanced moisture.
Rub with oil or butter before grilling for richness.
Season boldly with spices, herbs, garlic, etc.
Sauce or glaze during last few minutes.
Use a meat mallet to gently pound chicken for tenderness.

Grilled Chicken Inspiration

Try these delicious recipes for your next backyard barbecue:

With the right preparation and techniques you can master grilling moist flavorful chicken breasts without the frustration of burning or undercooking them. Use a thermometer for perfect doneness. Allow time to marinate for extra taste. Rest before slicing so juices stay inside. In no time, you’ll be an expert outdoor chicken grill master.

how to grill chicken breast without burning it

The Best Way to Set Up Your Gas Grill

Here’s where things get real: mastering your gas grill setup.

Preheat your grill on medium-high heat (about 375–450 degrees F). If you want to be fancy (or nerdy like me), use a grill surface thermometer.
Brush the grill grates clean with a good grill brush.
Make a fire with two areas: one side that is hot and one side that is cooler (the indirect heat zone). You can move the chicken if it’s cooking too quickly this way.

Pro Tip: You want to sear the chicken first on the hot side, then move it to the cooler side to finish without burning.

Step Three: Season, Season, Season!

Whether you’re using a dry rub, wet rubs, or just simple kosher salt, garlic powder, and pepper, season your chicken well before grilling. If you’re using a sugar-based glaze or BBQ sauce, save it for the end so it doesn’t burn.

Pro Tip: Brush your chicken lightly with olive oil or vegetable oil before it hits the grill. It helps create gorgeous grill marks and keeps the meat from sticking.

How to Grill Chicken Breasts on a Gas Grill | Tips & Techniques

FAQ

How to keep chicken from burning on the grill?

Keep the grill temperature moderate, use indirect heat, and think about cooking the chicken first before grilling it to keep it from burning.

How to grill chicken breast without burning?

Start cooking the chicken on a hotter part of the grill for a few minutes to get the best grill marks and juicy chicken. Then move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. When you use two heating zones, the outside of your chicken doesn’t get burned or dry out while the inside cooks through.

How to grill chicken breasts and keep them juicy?

Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grate. Place chicken breasts, smooth-side down on preheated grill; cook, covered, until no longer pink and juices run clear, about 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out on the grill?

Lean cuts like chicken breast dry out quickly, so using a marinade, grilling over indirect heat, and monitoring internal temperature helps keep it moist.Feb 3, 2023