How to Barbecue Juicy Boneless Chicken Breast Every Time

Barbecuing boneless chicken breast sounds easy — but if you’ve ever ended up with dry, chewy meat, you know it takes more than just tossing it on the grill.

The good news?

With a little prep and the right grilling method, you can make juicy, flavorful chicken every single time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to barbecue boneless chicken breast the right way.

Whether you're new to grilling or just looking to improve, this step-by-step method is simple and effective.

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Why Boneless Chicken Breasts Are Tricky to Grill

Boneless chicken breast is lean.

That means it cooks fast, but also dries out quickly.

It has no bones or skin to help retain moisture, so if you don’t prepare and cook it properly, you can easily overdo it.

But with a little prep — and a watchful eye — you’ll get tender, smoky meat that’s anything but boring.

Step 1: Pound for Even Thickness

Start by using a meat mallet to gently pound your chicken breast to an even thickness.

Aim for about ¾ inch thick.

This helps it cook evenly and prevents the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts are still undercooked.

You can also cut the breast in half horizontally if it's extra thick.

Step 2: Brine (Optional but Recommended)

Want next-level juiciness?

Try a quick brine.

Mix ¼ cup of kosher salt in 4 cups of water. Soak the chicken breasts for 30 minutes.

Then pat them dry with paper towels.

This step seasons the meat all the way through and helps it stay moist on the grill.

Step 3: Season Boldly

Now it’s time to add flavor.

Brush the chicken lightly with oil to prevent sticking, then season with your favorite dry rub, spice blend, or simply salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Don’t forget: Bold flavors stand up better to the smoky taste of the grill.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Whether you're using charcoal or gas, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F).

That’s the sweet spot for searing the outside and locking in juices, while cooking the inside safely.

Before placing the chicken on the grill, clean your grates.

A clean grate helps prevent sticking and gives better grill marks.

👉 Tip: Use a safe, wire-free grill scraper like the Easy Function Grill Scraper for easy cleanup before you start cooking.

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Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts directly over the heat.

Grill with the lid closed.

• Grill 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

• Flip only once. Resist the urge to keep turning them.

• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Target internal temp: 165°F.

When they hit that temp, pull them off right away.

Discover Key Tips in Our Full Guide: What is the Perfect Temperature of Cooked Meat in Celsius?

Step 6: Let Them Rest

Don’t cut into your chicken right away.

Let it rest on a plate, covered loosely with foil, for 5 minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute and stay in the meat.

Cutting too soon will let all that moisture spill out onto the plate.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Slice across the grain for the most tender bites.

Now you can serve it straight, add it to salads, wraps, or BBQ sandwiches.

You’ve just nailed one of the trickiest proteins to grill.

Bonus Tips for More Flavor

• Add wood chips: Try using apple or hickory wood for a light smoky flavor.

• Try marinades: Marinade for 1–4 hours before grilling to add flavor and moisture.

• Grill in batches: Want to meal prep? Grill extra and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Grilling boneless chicken breasts doesn't have to be a gamble.

With this method, you’ll get juicy, grilled perfection every time.

Want to keep your grill in top shape and your cooking consistent?

👉 Click the image below to explore our other BBQ tools and accessories from Easy Function.