Easy Tips How To Cook Chicken Breast on the Gas Grill

Cooking chicken breasts on a gas grill is simple yet rewarding. Whether making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a barbecue, mastering cooking chicken breast on the gas grill is essential for any home cook. Chicken breasts are lean and versatile and can be used in various dishes, from salads and sandwiches to tacos. With a few ingredients and easy techniques, you can grill juicy, tender chicken breasts every time.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to grill chicken breasts with simple steps, essential tips, and tricks to keep your chicken moist and flavorful. This method is perfect for beginners or anyone who loves preparing meals for family. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Breast

Gather the following ingredients before diving into how to cook chicken breast on the gas grill. Simple, high-quality ingredients bring out the best flavors.

For the Chicken:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite chicken rub

Optional Marinade:

While not required, marinating adds extra flavor and tenderness.

– ¼ cup olive oil

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or vinegar)

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano)

– Pinch of salt and pepper

Recommended Tools to Make the Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast

Having the right tools can make all the difference when grilling chicken breasts. Here are a few essentials to ensure your grilled chicken turns out perfectly every time:

1. Meat Thermometer: A must-have for checking the internal temperature of your chicken. Ensuring your chicken reaches 165°F is the key to juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
   • Recommended option: ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
2. Grill Brush: Keeping your grill grates clean is essential to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks. A high-quality grill brush will help you clean the grates effectively before each use.
   • Recommended option: Kona 360° Clean Grill Brush
3. Tongs: A good pair of long-handled tongs is essential for flipping your chicken without piercing it and losing precious juices.
   • Recommended option: OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Grilling Tongs
4. Grill Mat or Grill Pan: If you want to cook vegetables alongside your chicken, a grill mat or grill pan can prevent smaller items from falling through the grates.
   • Recommended option: Grillaholics Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Mat
5. Basting Brush: Perfect for applying marinades or oil to your chicken before grilling. A silicone basting brush is heat-resistant and easy to clean.
   • Recommended option: M KITCHEN WORLD Silicone Basting Brush
6. Gas Grill : Here are five excellent gas grills that are perfect for grilling chicken breasts to perfection:
   • Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill :
     • Features: This grill offers three burners with excellent temperature control, a large cooking area, and a built-in thermometer for precise grilling. The Weber Spirit II E-310 is perfect for both beginners and experienced grillers.
     • Why it’s great for chicken: The even heat distribution across the cooking grates ensures that your chicken breasts cook evenly without flare-ups.
   • Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Gas Grill
     • Features: With four burners and a large 425 square-inch cooking surface, the Char-Broil Performance grill provides plenty of space for grilling multiple chicken breasts simultaneously. It also features porcelain-coated cast iron grates for easy cleaning.
     • Why it’s great for chicken: The large grilling surface allows you to cook more chicken without crowding, which is essential for even cooking.
     • Price range: Budget-friendly
   • Napoleon Rogue XT 425 SIB Gas Grill
     • Features: The Napoleon Rogue XT 425 has three main burners and an infrared side burner, providing great versatility and heat control. It also has wave cooking grids that provide excellent sear marks.
     • Why it’s great for chicken: The precision heat control allows you to grill chicken breasts perfectly, avoiding overcooking while achieving those perfect grill marks.
     • Price range: Premium
   • Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
     • Features: This grill offers four stainless steel burners, porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates, and an additional side burner for added versatility. It also features LED control knobs for nighttime grilling.
     • Why it’s great for chicken: The porcelain-coated cooking grates ensure non-stick grilling, and the large surface area helps you cook several chicken breasts at once.
     • Price range: Mid-tier
   • Cuisinart CGG-7400 Propane Gas Grill
     • Features: With 443 square inches of cooking space and four powerful burners, the Cuisinart CGG-7400 is a solid, budget-friendly option. The grill also has a warming rack to keep your food ready to serve.
     • Why it’s great for chicken: The powerful burners provide consistent heat, and the warming rack is perfect for letting your chicken rest after grilling.
   • These gas grills offer excellent performance, making cooking delicious, juicy chicken breasts easier every time. Whether you’re grilling for the family or hosting a backyard BBQ, these grills will help you quickly achieve perfectly grilled chicken.

Instructions for Grilling Chicken Breasts

Now that you have your ingredients, follow these steps to ensure perfectly grilled chicken every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

The key to cooking evenly is to ensure your chicken breasts are uniform in size. Larger breasts can have uneven thickness, leading to overcooked or undercooked spots.

– Flatten the chicken: Place the breasts between plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until they’re about ¾-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

At the minimum, coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The oil helps keep the chicken moist and prevents sticking to the grill. Add other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for more flavor.

– Marinate (optional): If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to a few hours for added flavor. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper, and let the chicken sit in the marinade.

Step 3: Preheat the Gas Grill

Preheating is crucial for achieving a sear and locking in moisture.

– Preheat your gas grill: Turn on all burners to high, close the lid, and preheat for 10-15 minutes. Aim for a grill temperature of 400°F to 450°F. A hot grill ensures beautiful grill marks and even cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Breasts

You’ll use both direct and indirect heat for the best results.

– Grill the chicken: Place the chicken on the grill over direct heat. Close the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side. Avoid pressing the chicken with a spatula, as it releases juices and dries the meat.

– Flip the chicken: After 4-5 minutes, flip the chicken using tongs (not a fork). Move the chicken to a slightly more relaxed part of the grill or reduce the heat. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

To avoid dry chicken, always check the internal temperature.

– Use a meat thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should be 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink.

Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest

Letting the chicken rest is essential for juicy results.

– Rest the chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a plate and cover them loosely with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Quick Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

1. Brine for juiciness: Brining the chicken in water and salt for 30 minutes before grilling adds moisture and flavor.

2. Avoid overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches 160°F. The temperature will rise as it rests.

3. Oil the grates: Brush your grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

4. Use marinades: A marinade with fat, acid, and seasoning adds flavor and keeps chicken moist.

5. Cook with indirect heat: Start with direct heat to sear, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking thicker chicken breasts.

Food Safety

When grilling chicken, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines to avoid illnesses:

• Keep raw chicken separate: Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken away from other foods.
• Wash your hands: After handling raw chicken, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
• Cook to 165°F: Always cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Don’t wash raw chicken: Washing raw chicken can spread bacteria. Cooking the chicken thoroughly is the best way to ensure safety.
• Clean surfaces: After preparing chicken, clean your cutting boards and countertops thoroughly to avoid contamination.

Conclusion

Mastering cooking chicken breast on the gas grill is a skill every home cook should have. You can enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken breasts in under 20 minutes with just a few simple steps. Preheat your grill, season your chicken well, and always check the internal temperature to avoid dryness. Once you’ve perfected chicken breasts, try learning how to cook chicken thighs on the grill for a tasty and versatile option.

Whether you’re a beginner or want to perfect your technique, grilling chicken breasts is an easy and delicious way to feed your family. Pair your grilled chicken with salads, veggies, or favorite summer sides, and enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal. Happy grilling!

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