I was a little skeptical about grilling chicken drumsticks in their raw form on a George Foreman contact grill. This is because one end of a drum is thick and meaty, while the other end is thin and boney. I was worried they wouldn’t cook evenly or all the way through.
I decided to try two methods to see which worked best. I have a go-to summer grilled chicken recipe that is a two-step process. It calls for marinating the chicken, cooking it in the oven, and then finishing it off on a gas or charcoal grill. This recipe is inspired by the original Silver Palate cookbook.
I have to say it is a massive crowd-pleaser. The oven-cooked chicken can stay in the fridge for a few days after I make a big batch. I can then grill it whenever I need it for a weeknight meal or when I have guests over. It takes just a few minutes to warm through and get those wonderful grill marks and charred flavor.
The recipe has some sugar which caramelizes on the grill. I love not having to set up my outdoor grill when I can make this recipe in the winter on my Foreman grill.
The other recipe I tried was raw, seasoned drumsticks directly on the GF grill. My grill has some spots that are hotter than other areas. This is not uncommon, similar to a charcoal grill. What I found worked well was to rotate and flip the drums every 5 minutes until they came to an even, safe temperature of 170°F.
You really must check the internal temperature. I recommend a digital, instant-read, probe thermometer. You can find reliable ones starting at around $15.
I am starting with the basic recipe on the grill and then moving on to the oven-baked/grilled recipe. The second takes some effort and time. I promise you it is worth it. Feel free to double the recipe so you can get a few meals out of it.
Cooking chicken on a George Foreman grill is a quick and easy way to make delicious and juicy chicken breasts in just minutes. But knowing exactly how long to cook chicken on a George Foreman to get it perfectly cooked can be tricky. In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know to cook chicken breasts perfectly every time on your George Foreman grill.
What is a George Foreman Grill?
A George Foreman grill is a countertop electric grill that uses a clamshell design to cook food between two heated plates. It’s called a contact grill because the food makes direct contact with the grilling surface. George Foreman grills are known for their fast cooking times and how they can cook food using little to no oil.
The main benefits of using a George Foreman grill are
- Super fast cooking times – chicken can be cooked in just 4-7 minutes
- Makes juicy and flavorful chicken without drying it out
- Little to no oil needed for cooking
- Easy to use and clean up
- Takes up minimal counter space
How Does Cooking Chicken on a George Foreman Grill Work?
Cooking on a George Foreman grill couldn’t be easier, Here’s a quick overview
- Season or marinate raw chicken as desired. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best.
- Preheat the grill for around 5 minutes before cooking.
- Place chicken on the hot grill, close the lid, and cook for the recommended time.
- The hot grill plates will cook the chicken quickly from both the top and bottom at the same time.
- Check for doneness and remove when chicken is fully cooked.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
The George Foreman grill cooks food quickly by heating it from both sides at the same time. So you don’t have to turn the chicken over while it cooks. Just shut the grill lid and let it do its thing!
How Long Should You Cook Chicken on a George Foreman Grill?
To make sure chicken breasts are safe to eat and not dried out, how long should they be cooked on a George Foreman?
There are a few factors that determine the cooking time:
Thickness of the chicken breast – The thinner the breast, the less time needed. Thinner breasts around 1/2 inch thick take 4-5 minutes per side. Thicker breasts around 3/4 – 1 inch may need 6-8 minutes per side.
How many chicken breasts—Cooking more chicken breasts at once will make the whole process take longer. One breast may take one to two minutes longer to cook than two.
Temp of the grill – A fully preheated grill will cook chicken faster than one that hasn’t preheated. Always preheat the grill before cooking.
Type of George Foreman grill – Some models heat up quicker and cook faster than others. Refer to your specific grill manual for recommended cooking times.
Choice of doneness: Chicken cooked until the inside is no longer pink will take a little less time than chicken cooked all the way through.
Taking all these factors into account, here are general guidelines for how long to cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a George Foreman grill:
- 1/2 inch thick breast – 4-5 minutes per side
- 3/4 inch thick breast – 6-7 minutes per side
- 1 inch thick breast – 7-8 minutes per side
- Add 1-2 minutes more per side for multiple breasts
Always use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. If using a George Foreman that only cooks from one side, double the cook times.
Tips for Cooking Juicy George Foreman Grill Chicken
Follow these tips for ensuring tender, juicy chicken off your George Foreman every time:
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Use thinner chicken breasts – Thinner breasts around 1/2 inch thick cook the fastest and most evenly. Pound thicker breasts to flatten.
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Preheat properly – Heat the grill for at least 5 minutes first before cooking. A fully heated grill ensures quick, even cooking.
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Use a thermometer – Test temperature using an instant read thermometer to prevent overcooking.
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Brush with oil – Coating the chicken lightly in oil helps keep it juicy. Olive oil or avocado oil work well.
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Clean the grill – A dirty grill can cause chicken to stick. Clean the plates well before preheating.
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Avoid moving chicken – Flipping or moving chicken can tear the meat and dry it out. Leave it alone while cooking.
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Let it rest – Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
Common George Foreman Grill Chicken Recipes
There are endless ways to flavor and prepare chicken on a George Foreman. Here are some of the most popular recipes:
Simple Lemon Herb Chicken
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Dried basil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon wedges
Brush chicken with olive oil and season with garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Grill 4-5 minutes per side until 165°F. Serve with lemon wedges.
BBQ Chicken
- Chicken breasts
- BBQ rub or sauce
- Oil
Coat chicken in oil then your favorite BBQ seasoning rub or sauce. Grill 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Buffalo Chicken
- Chicken breasts
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Ranch dressing
Grill chicken breasts 5 minutes per side. Toss in buffalo sauce then serve with ranch dressing.
Teriyaki Chicken
- Chicken breasts
- Teriyaki marinade or sauce
- Sesame seeds
Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 mins or brush with sauce before grilling. Cook 6 minutes per side. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Fajita Chicken
- Chicken breasts
- Fajita seasoning
- Bell peppers and onions
- Tortillas
Season chicken with fajita seasoning. Grill 5 minutes per side. Saute peppers and onions. Wrap in tortillas.
Cooking Chicken on a George Foreman Grill FAQs
Can you cook frozen chicken on a George Foreman?
It’s not recommended. Always thaw chicken breasts completely first before cooking. Microwave or place in cold water to thaw frozen chicken.
Should you flip the chicken while cooking?
Flipping is unnecessary since the George Foreman grills from both sides at once. Leave chicken alone for best results.
What temperature should chicken be when done?
Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F minimum internal temperature. Check with a food thermometer to avoid undercooking.
What happens if you overcook chicken on it?
Overcooking can lead to dry, rubbery chicken. Follow cook times and use a thermometer to prevent overcooking.
How do you keep George Foreman chicken juicy?
Pound chicken to an even thickness, preheat the grill, use a thermometer to prevent overcooking, brush with oil, and let rest before serving.
Perfectly Cooked George Foreman Chicken Made Easy
Cooking moist and delicious chicken breast on a George Foreman grill couldn’t be any easier. With the right thickness chicken, a fully heated grill, and a thermometer to monitor doneness, you can have perfection chicken in just minutes with little effort. Try out different seasoning blends and sauces to enjoy a quick and healthy chicken dinner anytime.
Delicious Chicken Drumsticks on a George Foreman Grill
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon garlic-infused olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked fresh pepper
- 1 tablespoon herb blend of your choice
- Rinse the chicken legs and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the oil, salt, pepper, and herbs on a plate.
- Rub the legs in the wet stuff and then turn them over to coat them. Do not be afraid to use your hands to press the mixture into the meat’s skin.
- Set this aside and let it sit for 60 to 90 minutes.
- With the lid closed, heat your GF contact grill to high. This takes approximately 5 minutes.
- When the grill is hot, put the drums on it, then switch between the fat and thin parts. To put it another way, lay them down head to toe so they can fit. Close the top. Set a timer for 5 minutes.
- Turn the meat over on the grill and move it around every five minutes until the thickest part reaches 170°F on the inside. The heftiest pieces may take 20 minutes. When you open the grill, the skin side up will be bubbling, which means the legs are done.
- Put the drumsticks on a clean cutting board and let them rest for at least five minutes before you serve them.
- Lots of napkins should be served because these are best eaten by hand.
- You won’t have to deal with burnt garlic after grilling if you can find olive oil that already has garlic in it. Any grill can hurt fresh garlic and make it taste bad. Otherwise, just add 1/4 tsp garlic powder to the rub.
- My go-to herb blend for chicken is Herbes de Provence. You can use jerk seasoning, Italian seasoning, Creole seasoning, or even just salt and pepper. There are no rules when it comes to your preference.