Grilling chicken breast on a charcoal grill can seem daunting for beginners. With so many factors like heat level, thickness of the meat, and grill setup, it’s hard to know exactly how long to cook chicken breasts to get them cooked through without drying them out. But have no fear! With a few tips on temperature, prep, and technique, you’ll be serving up juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breast in no time.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that boneless, skinless chicken breasts generally take 8-12 minutes per side to cook through when grilling over direct medium heat (350-450°F) on a charcoal grill. Thicker breasts may need a little longer, up to 14-16 minutes per side. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, removing the chicken from the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Factors That Affect Grilling Time
While the quick timeframe outlined above works for most situations, the exact grilling time can vary based on several factors:
Thickness of the Chicken Breasts
Thinner breasts will cook faster, while thicker cuts will require more time. Very thin chicken breasts may only need 6-8 minutes per side, while a 2-inch thick butterflied breast may need upwards of 18-22 minutes total. Look for breasts between 1/2 – 1 1/2 inches thick for the best results.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Chicken breasts cook faster when the bone has been removed. Bone-in breasts will take longer since the bone partially insulates the meat. Go for boneless for quicker grilling.
Temperature of the Grill
The hotter the grill, the faster the chicken will cook. Grill over medium heat between 350-450°F. Low heat under 300°F will lead to drying out, while high heat over 500°F may burn the outside before the inside cooks through.
Grill Setup
Direct vs indirect heat also impacts cook times. Cook over direct heat for shorter cook times. Indirect heat will slow the cooking process. You can start chicken over indirect heat and then move over direct heat to finish.
Brining
Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine before grilling helps keep it juicy, but will extend cooking time slightly since the meat absorbs water. Add about 5 minutes to the total time when grilling brined chicken.
Sauce and Marinade
Sugary sauces or marinades can burn and char more quickly on the grill. Take care when glazing chicken toward the end of cooking, and keep sauce application minimal to avoid flair ups and burning.
Prep Tips for Grilled Chicken Breast
Proper preparation ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly on the grill:
- Trim excess fat, which can cause flare ups over direct heat.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help browning.
- Brush lightly with oil to keep it from sticking.
- Season simply with salt, pepper, herbs or dry rub.
- Allow marinades or sauces time to penetrate the meat.
- Skewer or pound thicker breasts for more even thickness.
How to Grill Chicken Breast on Charcoal
Follow these steps for perfect grilled chicken breast every time:
- Prepare charcoal grill and preheat to medium heat, around 400°F. Clean grates and brush with oil.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and lightly coat both sides with oil. Season as desired.
- Place chicken on hot grill, skin-side or curved-side down first. Grill for 8-12 minutes until browned.
- Flip chicken and grill second side for another 8-12 minutes until browned and firm to the touch.
- Check temperature in thickest part using meat thermometer, remove from grill when it reaches 165°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Grilling Chicken Breast on Charcoal
- Maintain steady heat by adjusting top and bottom vents.
- Keep lid closed as much as possible to hold in heat.
- Use tongs instead of piercing meat with fork.
- Rotate chicken occasionally for even browning.
- Move chicken to indirect heat or turn down temperature if it browns too quickly.
- Let meat rest before slicing for juicier chicken.
Troubleshooting Grilled Chicken Breast
Use this troubleshooting guide if your grilled chicken breast turns out dry, burnt or undercooked:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overcooked and dry | Use lower heat, monitor temperature closely, and don’t overcook. Let rest before cutting to retain juices. |
| Burnt exterior | Use more moderate heat, move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur, reduce marinades and sauces. |
| Undercooked interior | Increase heat, cook a little longer, and use meat thermometer to confirm doneness. |
| Unevenly cooked | Trim chicken, pound to even thickness, flip frequently, and rotate on grill. |
| Sticking to grates | Oil grates, use non-stick spray, don’t move chicken until release, and use fish spatula. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I brine chicken before grilling?
Brining helps keep chicken juicy and seasoned throughout when grilling. Dissolve 1/4 – 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups water, submerge chicken 30 min – 1 hour. Rinse and pat dry before grilling. Add 5 minutes to total cook time.
What temperature should I grill chicken breasts at?
Medium heat between 350-450°F is ideal for grilling bone-in or boneless chicken breasts. Higher heat risks burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
How do I prevent chicken from drying out on the grill?
Use moderate heat, brine chicken first, rotate breasts frequently, grill to just 165°F, tent foil over chicken and let rest before serving to keep juices locked in.
Can I grill frozen chicken breasts?
It’s unsafe to grill frozen chicken from raw. Defrost first by thawing overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. Pre-cooked frozen chicken can be briefly grilled to add flavor and reheat.
What is the best chicken for grilling?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal for grilling. They cook quickly and evenly with little fat to cause flare-ups. Bone-in breasts or thighs also work well.
Conclusion
Grilling juicy, delicious chicken breast on a charcoal grill is easy when you follow a few simple guidelines. Allow 8-12 minutes per side for boneless breasts over direct medium heat, using a meat thermometer to test for 165°F doneness. Keep the temperature steady, prep the chicken properly, flip frequently, and let rest before serving. Master these easy techniques for perfect chicken every time you grill!