How to Grill Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Breast on a Blackstone Griddle

Chicken breast can be tricky to grill perfectly, often ending up dry or overcooked. But with the right techniques, you can achieve incredibly moist, delicious results on a Blackstone griddle every time As an avid griller and Blackstone owner myself, I’ve discovered the secrets to grilling chicken breast so it turns out unbelievably juicy and packed with flavor.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my proven process for preparing, seasoning, cooking, and serving chicken breast on the Blackstone to wow your family and friends. Follow these simple steps for foolproof success.

Select the Right Chicken Breasts

Good ingredients are the first step in making any grilled meal taste great. These tips will help you choose chicken breasts for the Blackstone:

• Go for boneless and skinless – This allows for even cooking and easy handling. The skin often leads to flare-ups.

• Pick uniform thickness – Breasts that are similarly sized will cook at the same rate. Aim for 3⁄4 to 1 inch thickness.

• Fresh chicken is better than frozen chicken because it has more flavor and texture. Thaw frozen breasts all the way before grilling them.

• Consider thighs – Chicken thighs are naturally juicier. They’re a great alternative if you fear dryness.

Prepare and Season the Chicken

Proper preparation and seasoning is key for plump, flavorful chicken breast off the grill.

• Pound it – Use a mallet to gently pound the breasts to an even thickness This also tenderizes

• Marinate it—Let the chicken soak in a sauce for 30 minutes to overnight. Try lemon-herb, barbecue, teriyaki, or Greek yogurt marinades.

• Rub it – Coat the breasts in an herb/spice rub. Cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and onion powder make great additions.

• Oil it – Lightly coat the chicken with high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil before grilling.

Preheat the Griddle

Heating the Blackstone griddle properly ensures the chicken cooks evenly and forms a tasty sear.

• Crank it to medium-high, around 400-450°F. Use a griddle thermometer to verify the exact temperature.

• Let it preheat for 10-15 minutes so the surface heats through completely.

• Coat with oil once preheated. Use a type of oil with a high smoke point, like safflower or peanut oil.

• Test it by sprinkling water – if the drops sizzle and evaporate rapidly, start grilling!

Grill Using Best Techniques

With your prepped and preheated Blackstone, it’s time to work your grilling magic.

• Place the chicken on the hot griddle. Resist moving it for 2-3 minutes so it sears perfectly.

• Flip only once during cooking. Frequent flipping can disrupt browning.

• Cook 4-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

• Aim for 165°F internal temp. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing for juiciest results.

• Add a pat of butter on top after flipping. It bastes the chicken for extra moisture and richness.

Serve it Up in Delicious Ways

The fun doesn’t stop after grilling your chicken. Serve it up with tasty sauces and sides for a complete meal.

Delectable Sauces:

• Barbecue sauce – for a sticky, sweet and tangy flavor

• Chimichurri – a fresh herby green sauce

• Tzatziki – cool cucumber yogurt compliments the chicken

• Mango salsa – fruity twist with some heat

Satisfying Sides:

• Grilled veggies – like zucchini, peppers, or eggplant

• Healthy grains – quinoa, farro, or brown rice

• Roasted potatoes – crispy on the outside, fluffy inside

• Fresh green salad – arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes

• Pasta salad – fun flavors like pesto, tomato basil, or ranch

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Apply these expert tips for guaranteed success when grilling chicken breast on the Blackstone:

• Pat the chicken dry before grilling for better browning
• Use a digital thermometer for precision on doneness
• Watch the heat closely to prevent burning or drying out
• Make sure the surface is well-oiled for easy release when flipping
• Allow thicker breasts to come up to temperature more gradually
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary when basting with butter
• Let the chicken rest before slicing for juicier meat

With the right prep, seasoning, and grilling technique, you’ll be serving up the most tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken breast off your Blackstone griddle. Get creative with different herb rubs and sauce pairings. Your family and friends will be begging for this chicken again and again!