Grilling can dry out even the best cuts of chicken. But proper seasoning seals in moisture, and watching your cook time results in a juicy piece of chicken.
Weber made a new way to grill with gas in the mid-1980s. Instead of the lava rocks that most grills had at the time, they used metal bars. This reduced flame flare-ups and helped evenly distribute the heat. Even heat distribution lets you grill without over-cooking and drying out your chicken.
Grilling Bone-In Chicken Breasts on a Weber Gas Grill: The Ultimate Guide
If you follow a few simple tips, grilling juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with the bones still in won’t be as hard as you think. As a big fan of grilling and having backyard parties, I’ve learned how to cook bone-in chicken breasts on my Weber gas grill every time.
I’ll tell you how to pick the right chicken, get the grill ready, season and cook chicken, and get tender, juicy results in this complete guide. You will learn how to grill bone-in chicken breasts whether you have never used a Weber gas grill before or are a pro. Let’s get started!.
Choosing Your Chicken
The first step is selecting quality boneless chicken breasts. Here are a few tips:
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Opt for bone-in over boneless – the bone helps keep moisture in.
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Choose breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
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Estimate roughly 1 breast per person, depending on size.
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Look for thicker breasts around 1 1⁄2 inches for juicier meat.
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Make sure the skin is intact, not torn or cut.
Preparing Your Weber Gas Grill
Now it’s time to prep your grill for cooking. Follow this checklist:
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Clean the grates well with a grill brush to prevent sticking.
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Preheat your grill on high heat for 10-15 minutes.
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Maintain a direct high heat of around 450°F to cook chicken.
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Leave the lid open as you grill to cook chicken faster.
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Oil the hot grates lightly with cooking spray or oil before adding chicken.
Seasoning Your Chicken Breasts
The right seasoning makes all the difference for flavorful, juicy chicken. Consider these seasoning tips:
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Pat chicken dry first so seasoning sticks better.
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Use a dry rub, marinade, herbs or simple salt and pepper.
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Coat both sides evenly for well-balanced flavor.
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Let chicken sit at room temperature 30 minutes after seasoning.
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For extra flavor, season under the skin too.
Grilling Your Chicken Breasts
Now for the fun part: heat up the grates and cook your chicken! Here are some tips:
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Place chicken on hot grill skin-side down first.
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Grill for 5-6 minutes until browned, then flip.
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Cook for 4-5 minutes more on second side until done.
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Move chicken to indirect heat if flare-ups occur.
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Insert a meat thermometer to check doneness – aim for 165°F.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
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Watch thickness – thicker breasts may need a few more minutes.
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Close lid if chicken is taking too long to cook through.
That’s all there is to it! In 10-15 minutes, you’ll have irresistibly tender and flavorful grilled bone-in chicken breasts. Pair them with veggies or sides and get ready for your next delicious backyard barbecue!
Oil the Grates
Turn the Webers burners down to medium heat. Spray the grates with a light coat of cooking spray.
Move to Indirect Heat
How To Grill Bone-in Chicken Breast
FAQ
How to grill bone-in chicken breast on Weber gas grill?
To grill bone-in chicken breasts on a Weber gas grill, prepare the grill for indirect heat and a medium-high temperature (around 375-400°F). Sear the chicken breasts over direct heat for a few minutes per side to develop some color, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How long does it take to grill bone-in chicken breasts on a gas grill?
Bone-in chicken breasts tend to have more flavor than their boneless siblings but take longer to cook. Allow 30-40 minutes total cooking time with 10 minutes over direct heat and 20-30 over indirect heat. When you check the temperature, don’t touch the bone; it will be hotter than the meat inside.
How to grill chicken breast on gas grill without drying out?
To grill chicken breasts on a gas grill without drying them out, utilize a two-zone cooking setup, pre-soak the chicken in a brine or marinade, and ensure it’s cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400 on a gas grill?
Looks like you’re seeing a trend. Chicken is best cooked at 350 or higher, definitely not low and slow like beef or pork. Sometimes I’ll throw chicken on at 225 while I wait for the family to get home, then crank it up to 400 or finish on my gas grill. The high heat tends to seal the moister inside the chicken.