Few things beat the smell of chicken sizzling on a hot grill—but getting that golden, smoky exterior without drying out the meat can be tricky.
If you’re wondering how to grill chicken so it stays tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, the right technique makes all the difference.
From preparing and seasoning the chicken to controlling the heat, knowing when to flip, and checking the perfect internal temperature, this guide covers everything you need.
Whether you’re using a gas grill or backyard barbecue, fire up the grill and get ready to make juicy grilled chicken everyone will want seconds of.
Jump to recipe
Preparing Chicken for Grilling?
Great grilled chicken starts before the meat ever reaches the grates. A little preparation helps the chicken cook evenly, hold seasoning, and develop better flavor.
- Choose chicken pieces that are similar in size so they cook at roughly the same rate.
- Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness to prevent thin areas from overcooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding oil, marinade, or seasonings.
- Trim away excess fat and loose pieces that could cause flare-ups on the grill.
- Marinate or season the chicken before grilling, then keep it refrigerated until you are ready to cook.
Ingredients Required for Juicy Grilled Chicken
You do not need a long ingredient list to make flavorful grilled chicken. A few pantry staples add savory flavor while oil and lemon help coat the chicken evenly.
|
Ingredient |
Amount |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
Boneless skinless chicken breasts |
4 breasts |
Main protein |
|
Olive oil |
2 tbsp |
Adds moisture and helps seasoning stick |
|
Lemon juice |
1 tbsp |
Adds fresh tangy flavor |
|
Garlic |
2 cloves minced |
Adds savory flavor |
|
Paprika |
1 tsp |
Adds mild smoky flavor and color |
|
Kosher salt |
1 tsp |
Seasons the chicken |
|
Black pepper |
½ tsp |
Adds mild heat and flavor |
How to Grill Chicken?
Grilling chicken is simple once you get the heat, timing, and temperature right. Follow these steps to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken with a nicely browned exterior without overcooking it.
1. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat before adding the chicken.
Starting with a properly heated grill helps the chicken cook evenly, creates attractive grill marks, and prevents the meat from spending too long on the grates.
2. Clean and Oil the Grates
Brush the grill grates clean to remove any leftover food or buildup. Lightly oil the grates or coat the prepared chicken with oil to reduce sticking and make it easier to flip without tearing the surface.
3. Place the Chicken on the Grill
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill with a little space between each piece. Close the lid to maintain steady heat and avoid moving the chicken immediately so the first side can develop a good sear.
4. Grill and Flip the Chicken
Grill the chicken until the first side is nicely browned, then flip it using clean tongs. Continue cooking the other side while monitoring the heat, moving the chicken to a cooler area if the outside browns too quickly.
5. Check the Internal Temperature
Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, the USDA-recommended safe minimum temperature for poultry, rather than relying only on cooking time or appearance.
6. Remove and Rest the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. This short resting period allows the juices to settle within the meat, helping each serving stay tender and juicy.
Should You Marinate Chicken Before Grilling?
Marinating chicken before grilling is not required, but it is an easy way to add more flavor and keep the meat enjoyable.
A simple marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and seasonings works well for chicken breasts.
Even 30 minutes of marinating can add flavor, while a few hours allows the seasoning to penetrate further. Always marinate raw chicken in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
Fresh herbs can also brighten grilled chicken marinades and sauces, and you can even grow mint indoors for an easy supply throughout the year
Before grilling, let excess marinade drip off to help prevent flare-ups and uneven browning.
Grilling Times for Different Chicken Cuts
Different chicken cuts require different grilling times for developing healthier meat products, as thickness, size, bones, and skin affect how quickly they cook.
|
Chicken Cut |
Approximate Grilling Time |
Safe Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
|
Boneless skinless breasts |
10–14 minutes |
165°F |
|
Bone-in chicken breasts |
30–40 minutes |
165°F |
|
Boneless chicken thighs |
10–15 minutes |
165°F |
|
Bone-in chicken thighs |
25–35 minutes |
165°F |
|
Chicken drumsticks |
25–35 minutes |
165°F |
|
Chicken wings |
20–25 minutes |
165°F |
Easy Grilled Chicken Seasoning Ideas
A good seasoning blend can give grilled chicken plenty of flavor without complicated preparation. These easy combinations use everyday ingredients and work especially well with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
1. Classic Garlic and Herb Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Steps: Mix the seasonings with olive oil, rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before grilling.
2. Smoky Paprika Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Steps: Combine the spices, coat the chicken lightly with olive oil, and rub the seasoning over both sides before placing it on the grill.
3. Lemon Pepper Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Steps: Stir the ingredients together and coat the chicken evenly. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before grilling for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
4. Cajun Grilled Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Steps: Rub the chicken with olive oil, sprinkle the Cajun mixture evenly over both sides, and grill until browned and safely cooked through.
5. BBQ Seasoned Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
Steps: Coat the chicken with the dry seasoning before grilling. Brush with BBQ sauce during the final few minutes of cooking so the sugars do not burn.
How to Keep Grilled Chicken Juicy?
Dry chicken is usually caused by uneven cooking or leaving it on the grill too long. These simple techniques can help grilled chicken stay tender and juicy.
Grilled bell peppers make a colorful side for chicken, and growing bell peppers in pots can give you fresh peppers for summer cookouts.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness so the thinner sections do not overcook before thicker areas finish.
- Use medium to medium-high heat instead of extremely high temperatures that can quickly burn the chicken exterior.
- Marinate or lightly oil the chicken before grilling to add flavor and promote even browning on the surface.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer rather than relying only on grill marks, color, or cooking time.
- Remove chicken once the thickest part reaches 165°F, then rest it for about five minutes before slicing.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store leftover grilled chicken in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Place it in a shallow airtight container or wrap it securely before refrigerating to maintain quality and prevent contamination.
Properly refrigerated cooked chicken can generally be kept for three to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Divide larger portions before storing so they cool more quickly and are easier to use later. Leftover grilled chicken works well in salads, wraps, sandwiches, pasta, tacos, and grain bowls.
Wrapping Up
Learning how to grill chicken is all about getting a few basics right: even pieces, flavorful seasoning, controlled heat, and the correct internal temperature.
Whether you are grilling chicken breasts for a quick dinner or preparing thighs and drumsticks for a backyard barbecue, these simple techniques can help you achieve juicy, tender results without the guesswork.
Experiment with marinades and seasoning blends to find your favorite flavor combination.
Now fire up the grill, put these tips into practice, and share your favorite grilled chicken seasoning in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Secret to Grilling Chicken?
Use evenly sized pieces, maintain steady grill heat, avoid overcooking, and check the thickest part with a thermometer for juicy results.
What Not to Do When Grilling Chicken?
Avoid excessively high heat, constant flipping, pressing the chicken, adding sugary sauce too early, and relying only on appearance to determine doneness.
Should I Oil Chicken Before Grilling It?
Yes. Lightly coating chicken with oil can help seasonings stick, encourage even browning, and reduce sticking without making the chicken greasy.
