Grilling thin sliced chicken breast can be a quick and easy way to add delicious flavor to a weeknight dinner. But knowing how long to cook chicken breast on the grill is key for perfectly cooked meat. Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the chicken breast, the heat of the grill, and whether the chicken is bone-in or boneless. With some simple guidelines, you’ll learn exactly how long it takes to grill thin sliced chicken breast to juicy, tender perfection.
What is Considered Thin Sliced Chicken Breast?
Thin sliced chicken breast typically refers to chicken breast fillets that have been sliced to an even thickness between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. This is considerably thinner than a standard chicken breast fillet, which is usually 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick. Slicing the chicken breast thinner allows it to cook faster and makes it ideal for quicker cooking methods like grilling or sautéing. It also increases the surface area, so more flavor can be absorbed during marinating or seasoning.
Factors that Affect Grill Times
There are a few key factors that impact how quickly thin sliced chicken breast will cook on the grill:
Thickness
The thinner the slices, the less time needed on the grill. 1/4 inch slices will cook faster than 1/2 inch.
Bone vs Boneless
Boneless chicken breast will generally cook faster than bone-in since it allows for more even heat exposure. Boneless breasts are typically more uniform in thickness as well.
Temperature of the Grill
Using high, direct heat will decrease cook time. Lower heat will result in longer cook times. Chicken should not be over direct high heat the entire time or it may burn.
Size of the Breast
Larger chicken breasts mean more time on the grill. Smaller ones will cook faster. Cutting larger breasts in half can expedite cook time.
Recommended Grill Times
Taking these factors into account, here are some general guidelines for how long to grill thin sliced chicken breast:
1/4 inch thick slices
– Boneless: 4-6 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat
– Bone-in: 6-8 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat
1/2 inch thick slices
– Boneless: 6-8 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat
– Bone-in: 8-10 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat
These times are for grilling over direct heat. If using indirect heat, expect the times to be slightly longer. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached 165°F internal temperature.
Tips for Grilling Thin Sliced Chicken Breast
Follow these tips for perfectly grilled thin sliced chicken breast:
1. Pound the chicken to an even thickness
If working with whole chicken breasts, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Brine or marinate the chicken
Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine or marinating in an acidic mixture tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.
3. Preheat grill properly
Heat your gas or charcoal grill on high for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Scrap the grates clean. Oil grates right before adding chicken.
4. Use direct heat to start
Sear both sides over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes. This caramelizes the outside while keeping the inside moist.
5. Move to indirect heat
Finish cooking over indirect medium heat to allow chicken to cook through without burning.
6. Let it rest
After removing from grill, let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting so juices can redistribute.
Cooking Guidelines Based on Thickness
For easy reference, here are the recommended grilling times for thin sliced chicken breast by thickness:
1/4 inch thick boneless chicken breast
– Sear 2-3 minutes per side over direct high heat
– Finish cooking 4-6 minutes per side over direct medium heat
1/4 inch thick bone-in chicken breast
– Sear 2-3 minutes per side over direct high heat
– Finish cooking 6-8 minutes per side over direct medium heat
1/2 inch thick boneless chicken breast
– Sear 2-3 minutes per side over direct high heat
– Finish cooking 6-8 minutes per side over direct medium heat
1/2 inch thick bone-in chicken breast
– Sear 2-3 minutes per side over direct high heat
– Finish cooking 8-10 minutes per side over direct medium heat
Always use a thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
Perfectly grilled thin sliced chicken breast takes 6-10 minutes per side depending on thickness and bone-in vs boneless. Key tips are pounding chicken to an even thickness, proper preheating, searing over direct heat before finishing over indirect heat, and letting chicken rest before serving. With the right technique, you can easily grill thin chicken breast fillets for amazing flavor in under 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally and allow it to rest before slicing for juicy results.
| Thickness | Boneless | Bone-in |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 4-6 minutes per side | 6-8 minutes per side |
| 1/2 inch | 6-8 minutes per side | 8-10 minutes per side |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I brine or marinate thin sliced chicken breast?
Brining or marinating is recommended as it adds flavor and moisture to thin breast fillets. Make sure to factor the brining/marinating time into the overall cook time.
Can I grill frozen chicken breasts?
It’s not recommended to grill frozen chicken. Always thaw breasts in the refrigerator before grilling. Grilling frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking.
Is bone-in or boneless best for grilling?
For thin slices, boneless is often easier since it cooks more evenly without the bone. But bone-in can add flavor. Remove the skin for healthier grilled chicken.
What temperature should I grill chicken at?
Use direct high heat (450-550°F) to sear, then move to direct medium heat (350-450°F) to finish cooking through. Avoid direct low heat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is safely cooked through once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Other Tips and Considerations
Pounding the Chicken
For evenly cooked chicken, pound thicker breast portions until 1/4-1/2 inch thick using a meat mallet or heavy pan. Place chicken between plastic wrap or wax paper before pounding.
Indirect vs Direct Heat
Sear over direct heat, then move over indirect heat on a gas grill to prevent overcooking. For charcoal, bank coals to one side.
Basting and Glazing
Brush chicken with oil or melted butter before grilling. Baste during grilling to keep moist. Glaze or sauce only in last few minutes or it will burn.
Testing for Doneness
Nick the thickest part of the chicken to test if juices run clear or use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F.
Preventing Sticking
Oil grates before grilling and only turn chicken once during cooking to avoid sticking. Do not turn repeatedly. Use tongs instead of a fork.
Adding Extra Flavor
Consider a dry rub, herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, chili flakes or other ingredients to complement the flavor of the chicken. Keep it simple to avoid burning.
Watch for Flare Ups
Flare ups from grease dripping on coals or burners can char chicken. Move to a cooler spot until flames die down if this occurs.
Prevent Overcooking
Chicken dries out if cooked too long. Use a meat thermometer and remove from heat once it reaches 165°F. Tent with foil and rest before serving.
Recipe Ideas
To take your grilled thin sliced chicken breast to the next level, consider seasoning or serving it with:
Jerk Chicken
– Jamaican jerk seasoning
– Grilled pineapple slices
– Coconut rice
Chicken Fajitas
– Fajita seasoning
– Grilled peppers and onions
– Warm flour tortillas
– Guacamole, pico de gallo and lime
Greek Chicken
– Lemon, olive oil, oregano and garlic marinade
– Tzatziki sauce
– Grilled vegetables
– Pita bread
Italian Chicken
– Red wine vinegar and herb marinade
– Chopped tomato salad
– Grilled zucchini
– Parmesan cheese
Teriyaki Chicken
– Soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger marinade
– Pineapple and bell pepper skewers
– Coconut jasmine rice
Final Thoughts
Grilling thin sliced chicken breast makes a quick and healthy dinner. Allow 6-10 minutes per side for properly cooked chicken depending on thickness. Pound to an even size, brine or marinate, sear over direct heat and finish over indirect heat. Use a thermometer to guarantee doneness. Pair with flavorful sides or sauces and enjoy juicy grilled chicken in minutes.