Mastering Chicken Breast on the Big Green Egg: Perfect Timing and Techniques

Are you wondering exactly how long to cook chicken breast on your Big Green Egg? You’re not alone! Getting the timing just right can be tricky, but I’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken breast every single time.

As a BGE fan for a long time, I’ve had my fair share of luck and failure when it comes to grilling chicken. I’m going to talk about everything I know about how to cook chicken breast on the Big Green Egg, including when to do it, how to do it right, and how to make it taste better.

The Basics: Temperature Settings for Chicken Breast

When cooking chicken breast on your Big Green Egg, getting the temperature right is absolutely crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

• For direct grilling: Set your BGE to 350-375°F (175-190°C)
• For indirect cooking: Maintain around 350°F (175°C)
• For smoking chicken: Lower to 225°F (107°C)

Keep in mind that the chicken, not the grill, is the most important thing. Chicken breast should be cooked to 165°F (74°C) to make sure it’s safe to eat while still being juicy.

Cooking Times: How Long Should You Really Cook?

That being said, how long should you cook chicken breast on your Big Green Egg? The answer depends on a number of things, such as the cooking method and whether the chicken has bones or not.

Boneless Chicken Breast Cooking Times

For boneless chicken breasts using direct grilling on your Big Green Egg:

• 6-8 minutes per side at 375°F (190°C)
• Total cooking time: 12-16 minutes

This timing works for average-sized chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each). If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you might need to add a few extra minutes.

Bone-In Chicken Breast Cooking Times

Bone-in chicken breasts will take longer to cook properly:

Remember, these times are estimates! Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prepping Your Chicken for the Big Green Egg

Before we even think about cooking times, we need to talk about preparation. This step can make or break your chicken breast experience!

Choosing the Right Chicken

Start with high-quality chicken breasts. If possible, go for organic or free-range options – they usually have better flavor. Also, try to select chicken breasts that are similar in size so they’ll cook at the same rate.

Brining: The Secret to Juicy Chicken

Really, if you want juicy chicken breast, you should brine it first! Brining means letting the chicken soak in a saltwater solution before cooking it.

Here’s a simple brine recipe:

• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• Optional flavorings: garlic cloves, herbs, lemon slices, etc.

Brine your chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours. Trust me, this step makes a HUGE difference in keeping your chicken moist on the Big Green Egg.

Marinating Options

If brining isn’t your thing, marinating is another great option. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own.

Chef Lee Ann Whippen’s Island Chicken recipe uses this amazing coconut milk marinade:

• 14 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 large jalapeño, seeded and minced

Let your chicken marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

Direct vs. Indirect Cooking Methods

With the Big Green Egg, you’ve got options for how to cook your chicken breast:

Direct Grilling

Direct grilling means placing the chicken directly over the heat source. This method is ideal for:

• Smaller chicken breasts
• When you want nice grill marks
• Faster cooking times

To direct grill, set up your BGE for direct cooking at 350-375°F (175-190°C). Place chicken directly on the cooking grid and grill for 6-8 minutes per side.

Indirect Grilling

Indirect grilling means using a convEGGtor or plate setter to diffuse the heat. This method is better for:

• Larger or bone-in chicken breasts
• When you want more even cooking
• Reducing the chance of flare-ups

For indirect cooking, install your convEGGtor, preheat to 350°F (175°C), and cook chicken for about 20 minutes per pound. For typical bone-in breasts, that’s around 30-40 minutes total.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Here’s my go-to process for cooking perfect chicken breast on the Big Green Egg:

1. Prep your chicken: Brine or marinate as desired
2. Set up your BGE: Preheat to 350-375°F (175-190°C)
3. Season the chicken: Pat dry if brined, then add your favorite rub or seasonings
4. Oil the grid: Lightly oil the cooking grid to prevent sticking
5. Start cooking: Place chicken on the grid and close the lid
6. Flip halfway: Turn the chicken after 6-8 minutes for boneless or 15-20 minutes for bone-in
7. Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C)
8. Rest before serving: Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cutting

Seasoning Ideas for Delicious Chicken Breast

Let’s talk about adding some serious flavor to your chicken! Here are some of my favorite seasoning options:

Simple Dry Rub

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sweet & Spicy Rub

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Herb Garden Blend

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Tips for Perfectly Juicy Chicken Every Time

After years of cooking chicken on my Big Green Egg, I’ve learned a few tricks:

1. Use a meat thermometer: This is absolutely essential! An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking chicken.

2. Don’t open the lid too often: Every time you peek, you lose heat and extend the cooking time.

3. Let it rest: After cooking, let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

4. Consider a two-zone setup: Start with direct heat to get nice grill marks, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking through.

5. Sear for crispier skin: If using skin-on chicken breasts, start with a higher temperature (around 400°F) for the first few minutes to crisp the skin.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even experienced grillers run into issues sometimes. Here are solutions to common chicken breast problems:

Dry Chicken

• Problem: Chicken breast is cooked through but dry and tough
• Solution: Brine before cooking, use indirect heat, and don’t overcook! Remove chicken when internal temp reaches 160°F as it will continue cooking to 165°F while resting.

Undercooked Near the Bone

• Problem: Meat near the bone isn’t fully cooked
• Solution: Use indirect heat and give it more time. Consider butterflying thick pieces for more even cooking.

Rubbery Skin

• Problem: Skin isn’t crispy
• Solution: Make sure skin is dry before cooking, start with higher direct heat to render fat, then move to indirect to finish cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Once you’ve mastered cooking chicken breast on your Big Green Egg, here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• Slice and serve on a bed of mixed greens for a light salad
• Pair with grilled vegetables and potatoes for a complete meal
• Cube and add to pasta with a light cream sauce
• Shred and use in tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas
• Top with a fresh salsa, like Chef Whippen’s Tropical Salsa:
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • ½ cup seeded and chopped tomato
  • ½ cup chopped mango
  • ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped yellow bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Storing and Using Leftover Chicken

If you have leftover chicken (though with these recipes, you might not!), here’s how to store it:

• Cool leftover chicken within two hours of cooking
• Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 4-6 months
• Use leftovers in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pasta dishes

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken breast on the Big Green Egg doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand the basics of temperature control and timing, you’ll be turning out perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Remember, the key points are:

• Boneless chicken breasts: 6-8 minutes per side at 350-375°F
• Bone-in chicken breasts: 30-40 minutes at 350°F
• Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
• Don’t skip the brining or marinating step
• Let the chicken rest before cutting

With these tips and techniques, you’ll be the master of chicken on your Big Green Egg in no time. Your family and friends will be begging for your secret to such juicy, flavorful chicken!

Have you tried cooking chicken breast on your Big Green Egg? What’s your favorite seasoning or technique? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!