Sizzling BBQ Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Recipe

Summer sizzles with these perfectly seasoned boneless skinless chicken breasts that bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your backyard grill.

These tender chicken breasts promise a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Salt, pepper, and a simple marinade work magic on every slice of protein.

You’ll want to lock in those delicious juices with just the right technique.

Each bite guarantees a burst of smoky, savory goodness that makes outdoor cooking a true pleasure.

The secret lies in controlling heat and timing to achieve that golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside supremely moist.

Let’s find out this foolproof method and transform an ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary grilling experience.

How to Grill Juicy Boneless Skinless Chicken

• Saltwater Bath

Submerge chicken breasts in a salty water solution to enhance moisture and flavor. Let the protein soak in the refrigerator for a quick flavor infusion.

• Grill Setup

Create two temperature zones on your cooking surface – a scorching hot area for searing and a gentler zone for completing the cooking process. This technique ensures a perfectly cooked piece of chicken.

• Flavor Preparation

Pat the chicken dry and give it a light massage of olive oil. Sprinkle a dusting of paprika for a warm, subtle flavor boost that adds beautiful color and depth.

• Cooking Performance

Start by placing chicken on the blazing hot section of the grill to develop beautiful caramelized marks. Once those appear, shift the meat to the cooler zone, allowing gentle heat to finish cooking. Watch for an internal temperature of 155°F, which signals the chicken is perfectly done and ready to serve.

Tips for Flavorful and Moist Chicken Breasts

• Swap out plain olive oil for zesty marinades like tangy lemon-herb, spicy chipotle, or garlic-rosemary to infuse extra taste into your chicken breasts before grilling.
• Experiment with different dry rubs such as Cajun blend, Mediterranean spice mix, or smoky BBQ seasoning to create unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken's natural taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking – pull chicken off the grill at 155°F, then let it rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the temperature to rise to the safe 165°F while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.
• When outdoor grilling isn't possible, use a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet to achieve similar beautiful char marks and delicious caramelization on your chicken breasts.
• Grill extra chicken breasts and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, perfect for quick salads, sandwiches, wraps, or slicing over grain bowls throughout the week.

Presenting Grilled Chicken for Any Occasion

• Summer Backyard BBQ Feast: Serve these juicy grilled chicken breasts alongside colorful grilled vegetable skewers and a zesty quinoa salad for a complete meal that screams outdoor dining.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Upgrade: Slice the chicken and layer onto fresh mixed greens, top with sliced almonds, and drizzle with a light lemon vinaigrette for a protein-rich lunch that keeps you satisfied.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Platter: Arrange the chicken on a large platter with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, chopped cucumber, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint for a Mediterranean-style spread that's perfect for sharing.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Chop the grilled chicken and store in airtight containers for easy addition to salads, wraps, grain bowls, or quick weeknight dinner solutions throughout the week.

How to Save Grilled Chicken Breasts for Later Meals

• Quick Batch Cooking: Grill extra chicken breasts during weekend meal prep to create multiple easy meals throughout the week. Slice and store for salads, wraps, grain bowls, and quick protein additions.
• Chilling Smart: After cooling completely, store grilled chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator. These juicy chicken breasts will stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining their delicious flavor and tender texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen grilled chicken remains tasty for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent drying out.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover and heat on low to medium temperature, ensuring moisture stays locked in. This method prevents dryness and keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Grilled Juicy Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

• Cool Water: Helps create a moist, flavorful chicken by allowing salt to penetrate deeply.
• Salt: Crucial for seasoning and tenderizing the chicken, enhancing its natural flavor.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that grills quickly and absorbs seasonings well, choose fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness, helps prevent sticking, and promotes beautiful golden-brown grill marks.
• Paprika: Introduces a warm, slightly sweet flavor and creates an appetizing reddish color on the chicken's surface.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for the grill): Prevents chicken from sticking and helps achieve perfect grill marks without tearing the meat.

Must-Have Tools for Grilled Chicken Success

• Large Bowl: Perfect for brining chicken and mixing salt water.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for cooking chicken with those beautiful grill marks.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping and moving chicken safely on the hot grill.
• Meat Thermometer: Critical for checking chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 155°F.
• Paper Towels: Great for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring salt and paprika.

Tender Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean-style grilled boneless skinless chicken breasts showcase herbal marinades and perfect char marks. Succulent protein paired with fresh sides creates a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 to 2 lbs (680 to 907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups (960 ml) cool water
• 33 g (¼ cup) salt (Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 2 tbsps Morton kosher salt, or 1.5 tbsps fine sea salt)
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for the grill)
• 1.5 tsps paprika

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Instructions

1. Brining Preparation: Immerse chicken breasts in saltwater solution, refrigerating for 30-45 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor absorption.
2. Grill Configuration: Establish dual-zone heating with high-direct and low-indirect temperature areas. For indoor preparation, heat cast-iron grill pan to 375-400°F.
3. Chicken Preparation: Remove chicken from brine, meticulously dry with paper towels. Coat thoroughly with extra virgin olive oil to ensure uniform browning and prevent surface sticking.
4. Seasoning Application: Dust chicken with sweet paprika, creating a delicate flavor profile and encouraging caramelized exterior development during cooking process.
5. Surface Preparation: Lightly grease grill grates or pan surface with cooking spray to minimize potential chicken adhesion.
6. Initial Grilling Stage: Position chicken on hottest grill section, cooking undisturbed to develop distinctive crosshatch marks. After 3-4 minutes, rotate 45 degrees to create professional diagonal patterns.
7. Heat Management: Flip chicken, immediately transferring to cooler indirect heat zone. Cover grill or pan, continuing cooking until internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and succulent results.
8. Resting Period: Remove from heat, allowing 5-7 minutes for juice redistribution, ensuring maximum tenderness and optimal flavor before serving.

Notes

• Optimize Moisture: Brining chicken in saltwater for 30-45 minutes dramatically increases tenderness and prevents dry, tough meat.
• Control Grill Temperature: Create dual-zone heating to manage precise cooking, preventing burning while ensuring even, juicy results.
• Master Grill Technique: Rotate chicken 45 degrees during initial searing to develop professional crosshatch marks and enhance caramelized exterior.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking, enabling internal juices to settle and guaranteeing maximum succulence.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg