How To Grill Chicken Breasts on a Gas Grill

Grilling chicken breast on a gas grill is a fantastic way to whip up some juicy, flavorful chicken in no time! Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these simple steps will have you serving up delicious tender chicken breasts that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your apron, and let’s get grilling!

Grilled chicken on a black countertop with french fries.

Preparation is Key

Before you start grilling, it’s essential to prep your boneless, skinless chicken breasts properly. Start by making sure they’re fully thawed if you’re using frozen ones. I thaw them in the refrigerator overnight so they are good and ready for the grill the next day. Then, take them out of the package and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is a good idea to help get those beautiful grill marks.

Marinating raw chicken breasts in lemon juice and herbs

Marinade Magic

For extra flavor, consider marinating your chicken breasts before cooking them. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, fresh lemon, soy sauce, and favorite herbs and spices works wonders. You can sprinkle in some black pepper and salt, as well. Marinade the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce or some zesty ranch dressing.

Just place the chicken breasts in an airtight container or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and make sure it is completely covered. Next, cover them with a lid or plastic wrap and let them chill in the fridge for at least half an hour or even overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Outdoor six-burner gas grill on the back patio of a home.

Get the Grill Ready

Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat. Let it heat up for about 15 minutes to raise the grill’s temperature. Make sure the temperature of the grill gets up around 425 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the chicken. Make sure to clean the grill grates to remove any leftover residue from the last time you grilled. You can do that with your favorite grill brush.

Grilling Process

Once the grill is hot and ready, it’s time to grill those chicken breasts! Brush the grill grates lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then place the chicken breasts on the grill over the open flames. For even cooking, try to arrange them in a single layer and ensure they’re of similar thickness.

Grill marks on chicken breasts. They are sitting on lemons.

Grill Marks and Tender Chicken

Believe it or not, the cooking time is short for chicken. Cook the chicken breasts for about four to five minutes on each side, rotating them halfway through to achieve those coveted grill marks. To ensure they’re perfectly cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The sweet spot for juicy chicken breasts is around 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you place the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken to get a correct reading.

Each grill can be a little bit different, so make sure you check the temperature of the chicken. Some grills might require less or more cooking time. Your thermometer will be your trusty tool to make sure the chicken gets cooked correctly.

Homemade Grilled Chipotle Chicken Breast with Cilantro and LIme

Rest and Serve

Once the chicken cooks and the desired temperature is reached, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled chicken breasts pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

Leftovers and Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because grilled chicken breasts are so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re great for adding protein to salads, sandwiches, or wraps throughout the week.

Share the Love: Don’t forget to snap a pic of your grilled chicken masterpiece and share it on social media! Spread the love by sharing the grilling tips and favorite chicken recipes with friends and family.

Grilling chicken breasts on a gas grill is not only a great way to enjoy a delicious meal but also a simple and easy way to cook up tender, flavorful chicken. With just a few basic ingredients and some easy steps, you’ll be serving up the best-grilled chicken breasts in no time!