Juicy grilled chicken

Step by Step

Step 1

First, prepare the chicken by using a meat tenderizer to make sure your chicken is similar in thickness throughout.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Option here to sub out 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub. Set aside for at least 15 minutes. The longer the chicken sits, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 3

Next, preheat the grill to 400ºF and spray grates with cooking spray

Step 4

Grill chicken breasts over direct heat at 400ºF for around 7-8 minutes. Then, flip chicken breasts and continue cooking for 8-10 more minutes. You know the chicken breast is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 160ºF – 165ºF.

Step 5

Remove from the grill and let rest* for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. The chicken breasts will continue to rise in temperature around 5ºF.

Tips and Warnings

Cook time will vary depending on the size of your chicken breast. Thicker chicken breasts will take longer, just make sure to cook until the internal temperature has reached 160ºF. You know your chicken is completely cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. We use an instant read thermometer for this, that way you don’t take any risks in eating raw chicken. You can learn more about cooking here from this great article by the USDA.
Your chicken will continue to cook once you remove it from the grill and the internal temperature will continue to rise.
This recipe was slightly updated on July 19, 2023.