How to Grill Chicken Breast to Perfection

Here's how to get the best grilled chicken, every time.

1. 1. Opt for boneless. Bone acts as an insulator, slowing down cooking. This can be a good thing when it comes to slow-cooking methods like braising, but for high-heat methods like grilling, boneless is better. When grilling bone-in chicken pieces, such as chicken wings or drumsticks, you'll need to cook the meat for longer.
2. 2. Tenderize the meat. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
3. 3. Make a marinade. For the most flavorful grilled chicken breasts, marinate or brine them for at least 30 minutes. Marinating or brining (soaking in saltwater) ahead of time gives salt and other flavors time to penetrate the entire piece of chicken so that it's flavorful throughout, not just on the surface.
4. 4. Don't flip too early. When grilling chicken breasts, you may be tempted to flip them too soon. Wait until you see distinct grill marks.
5. 5. Invest in an instant-read thermometer. Whether you're cooking on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or stovetop grill pan, the internal temperature is the best way to determine chicken’s doneness. You can use a standard meat thermometer, but instant-read thermometers are the most accurate.
6. 6. Adjust cook times for dark meat. You can swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, but keep in mind that they might take a couple more minutes to cook. Same goes for bone-in cuts, which benefit from a quick sear over direct heat, and a longer cook time over indirect heat.
7. 7. Don't overcook. Chicken breasts can quickly go from raw chicken to shoe leather. Keep a close eye on your chicken breasts—they'll only need about five to 10 minutes total to cook.

One of the reasons grilled chicken is such a popular weeknight dinner and summer barbecue meal is because it's so versatile. If you've taken the time to set up an outdoor grill, serve your grilled chicken with grilled veggies such as zucchini. For a hearty side, try a grain salad, like farro and summer tomatoes or quinoa and greens. Grilled chicken breasts also make for an excellent sandwich. You can toast slices of bread right on the grill, then top with mayonnaise, cooked chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes.