Achieve perfectly juicy chicken on the inside and stunning grill marks on the outside by grilling your chicken at 400°F over direct heat for about 15 minutes.
The key to any grilled chicken recipe is the internal temperature. Be sure to grill until the temperature reaches about 160°F.
Grilled chicken is a summer staple at our house. Even in the dead of winter when it snows, we make grilled chicken breasts (I have a photo and video to prove it)!
My favorite recipe involves chicken breasts, some spices, and grilling the chicken over direct heat at about 400°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
At Fit Foodie we have many recipes for grilled chicken. So if you’re looking for a different cut, try our other popular variations: Grilled Chicken Thighs, Grilled Chicken Thighs, Beer Can Chicken or Grilled Spatchcock Chicken.
What you need for grilled chicken
- Chicken breast: For this recipe, we recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If possible, buy chicken breasts that are similar in thickness so they have a similar cooking time.
- Spices or marinade: This recipe is very simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but I like to use a few teaspoons of our Chicken Seasoning or Chicken Dry Grater. In addition, you can also use one of our chicken marinades or our epic grilled chicken marinade for flavor.
- Meat tenderizer + cutting board: While this isn’t always necessary to make grilled chicken perfect, we recommend shredding the chicken so it’s the same size.
Top tips for grilling chicken breasts
- Remove moisture before cooking
- Grill at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes
- Cook until chicken reaches 160°F
- Leave to rest for 10 minutes after grilling
Try it!
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Frequently asked questions about grilled chicken
What goes with grilled chicken?
Serve your grilled chicken breasts with a baked potato, grilled asparagus, or a delicious broccoli salad recipe!
How do I grill the perfect chicken breast?
To prepare the best grilled chicken breasts, we recommend heating your grill to 400°F. Grill 5-7 chickens per side and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Should I pound my chicken before grilling?
The choice is yours. We personally don’t mash our chicken before grilling because we love it when a few edges get nice and charred, but we do have the option of mashing the chicken with a meat mallet so it’s even thickness.
How long to grill chicken breasts?
Grill your chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning after 7 to 8 minutes. Grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How do you keep your chicken from sticking to the grill?
We recommend spraying your grill grates with non-stick cooking spray immediately before grilling. Alternatively, you can use a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray.
How long does grilled chicken keep in the fridge?
Your grilled chicken breasts will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Should you let chicken rest after grilling?
Yes! By giving your chicken rest you not only 1) allow it to cool down so you can eat it, but 2) the chicken will continue to cook at around 1.5°C and will be extra juicy and moist.
storage
Our biggest tip when storing grilled chicken breasts is to let them cool completely before refrigerating to avoid moisture condensation.
Allow to cool, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.
What to do with leftovers
There are so many great recipes to make with leftover chicken! Try a chicken salad, a grilled chicken salad, or a buffalo chicken wrap!
serving suggestions
Looking for meal inspiration to go with your grilled chicken recipe? Check out some of our favorite BBQ side dishes to pair with your chicken breasts: Grilled asparagus in foil, Baked potatoes in foil, Grilled zucchini, Grilled carrotsAnd Grilled red potatoes in foil wrap.
More grilled chicken recipes
We have so many great grilled chicken recipes on Fit Foodie Finds and we thought we’d highlight the most popular ones below. Enjoy!
Grilled chicken salad
There’s nothing like a crispy, topped dish Grilled chicken salad on a hot summer night.
Grilled chicken thighs
Ever asked how to grill chicken thighs? Look no further because these are the BEST grilled chicken thighs throughout the country. We’ll show you how to make the most amazing chicken dry rub and give you step-by-step instructions for the best Grilled chicken thighs recipe always.
Easy grilled chicken thighs
These are the best grilled chicken thighs Because the skin is nice and crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
