How to Grill Juicy Chicken Breasts

Football is back, grills are fired up, and sometimes the best game-day food doesn't need to be complicated.

A perfectly grilled chicken breast is one of the simplest things you can make—but it's also one of the easiest things to overcook.

So we're keeping this one simple.

Chicken breasts. A little oil. Burn Pit BBQ Pop Smoke Memphis Style. A hot grill.

Here's how to grill chicken breasts that come off the grill juicy, flavorful, and ready for your next tailgate, backyard cookout, or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2–3 tablespoons Burn Pit BBQ Pop Smoke Memphis Style Rub
• Optional: your favorite Burn Pit BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Even Out the Chicken

Chicken breasts are often much thicker on one end than the other, which can cause the thin end to dry out before the thick end is finished.

Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound the thickest portion until the breast is relatively even in thickness.

You aren't trying to flatten it, just even it out.

 

2. Season

Lightly coat both sides of the chicken with olive oil.

Season generously with Pop Smoke Memphis Style and let the chicken sit while you preheat the grill.

 

3. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.

Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them if necessary to help prevent sticking.

 

4. Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts directly over the heat.

Grill for approximately 5–7 minutes without constantly moving them around.

Flip and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

Cooking times are only a guide. Use an instant-read thermometer to determine when your chicken is done.

 

5. Check the Temperature

Chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast.

 

6. Let It Rest

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

Don't skip this part.

Resting gives you a much better shot at keeping those juices in the chicken instead of losing them all over the cutting board.

The Biggest Mistake When Grilling Chicken Breasts

Overcooking them.

If you've ever had dry, tough grilled chicken, there's a good chance temperature—not the recipe—was the problem.

Don't rely entirely on cooking time.

Chicken breast size, thickness, grill temperature and even outdoor conditions can change how quickly your chicken cooks.

Use a meat thermometer.

It's one of the easiest ways to become a better griller.

Turn It Into Tailgate Food

The best part about grilled chicken breasts is how many ways you can use them.

Slice the chicken and serve it on its own, make grilled chicken sandwiches, chop it for wraps, add it to salads, or slice it up for a game-day platter.

You can even grill the chicken ahead of time and use it throughout football weekend.

Want to Add BBQ Sauce?

Absolutely.

During the final few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with your favorite Burn Pit BBQ sauce.

Don't add sugary BBQ sauce too early over direct heat. It can burn before your chicken finishes cooking.

FAQ

How long do you grill chicken breasts?

Most chicken breasts will take roughly 10–14 minutes over medium-high heat, but thickness matters more than the clock. Always check the internal temperature.

What temperature should grilled chicken breast reach?

Chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F when measured in the thickest portion.

How do you keep chicken breast from drying out on the grill?

Start with evenly thick chicken breasts, don't cook them over excessively high heat, use a meat thermometer, and avoid cooking them longer than necessary.

Should you oil chicken before grilling?

A light coating of oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and can help prevent sticking.

Should you grill chicken with the lid open or closed?

For chicken breasts, keeping the lid closed for most of the cook helps maintain a consistent grill temperature. Open it when you need to flip or check the chicken.

Can I grill chicken breasts ahead of a tailgate?

Yes. Grill them ahead, cool them promptly, refrigerate them, and keep them properly chilled during transport. Slice or reheat them when you're ready to serve.

Simple Grilling Wins

You don't need 15 ingredients to make great grilled chicken.

Good chicken, good seasoning, the right grill temperature and a meat thermometer will get you most of the way there.

Master the basics and you can start experimenting from there.

Fire up the grill and we'll see you Around the Pit.