Learn How to Barbecue Perfect Chicken Breast Every Time

Grilling chicken breast can be tricky.

Too hot, and it dries out.

Too slow, and it gets rubbery.

But with a few simple steps, you can barbecue chicken breast on the grill that’s tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to barbecue chicken breast on the grill — from prep to plating.

No fluff, just the method that works.

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How to Barbecue Chicken Breast on the Grill (That’s Juicy Every Time)

Step 1: Start With Even-Sized Chicken Breasts

First, make sure your chicken breasts are similar in size.

If one is thicker than the other, it won’t cook evenly.

If needed, pound them out gently with a meat mallet or the bottom of a pan.

Tip: Boneless, skinless breasts work best for this method.

Step 2: Brine or Marinate (Optional but Powerful)

If you want max moisture, brining is a great move.

Soak the chicken in a simple saltwater brine (1/4 cup salt to 4 cups water) for 30 minutes.

Rinse and pat dry.

Or marinate them for 2–4 hours in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

This adds flavor and tenderness.

Make Your BBQ Chicken Juicier, Here’s How: Grill BBQ Chicken the Best Way for Juicy, Bold Flavor

Step 3: Preheat the Grill (Medium Heat)

Preheat your grill to medium heat — about 400°F (204°C).

This is the sweet spot for chicken breast.

Hot enough to sear, cool enough to avoid drying out.

Clean the grill grates before placing your chicken.

A clean grate prevents sticking and helps those nice grill marks show up.

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Step 4: Oil + Season the Chicken

Drizzle the chicken breasts with a little olive oil.

Then season with:

• Salt

• Pepper

• Garlic powder

• Paprika (for color)

You can add your favorite rubs, but simple works best for juicy chicken.

Get The Perfect Cook Time For Chicken Breast: How Long to Barbecue Boneless Chicken Breast [Explained]

Step 5: Grill the Chicken (6–8 Minutes Per Side)

Place chicken on the grill, smooth side down.

Cover the lid and cook for 6–8 minutes, then flip.

Cook another 6–8 minutes on the other side.

Keep the lid closed so the heat surrounds the meat and cooks it evenly.

The exact time depends on the thickness — but here’s your best friend:

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Step 6: Check for Doneness (165°F)

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Chicken breast should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

No thermometer?

Cut into the thickest part — juices should run clear, not pink.

Step 7: Let It Rest (5 Minutes)

Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the juices settle back into the meat, so it stays juicy when you slice.

Don’t skip this step.

It’s the difference between juicy and dry.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Now it’s time to slice across the grain and serve.

Add it to salads, wraps, or just enjoy with grilled veggies.

Barbecued chicken breast is perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners

• Meal prepping

• Summer cookouts

And once you’ve nailed the process, it becomes second nature.

Final Thoughts

Grilling chicken breast is all about control — heat, timing, and temperature.

With the right method, you’ll get juicy results every time.

Just remember: even thickness, medium heat, and always check for 165°F.

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