How to Cook Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts on a Barbecue Grill Without Drying Them Out

Cooking boneless skinless chicken breasts on a barbecue grill can be a delightful experience, but it often comes with a challenge: keeping the meat juicy and tender. Let's explore some tried-and-true techniques to ensure your chicken breasts remain moist and flavorful.

Marination for Added Moisture and Flavor

One of the most effective methods to keep your chicken breasts moist is to marinate them before grilling. Soaking the chicken in a flavorful brine solution or a marinade for at least 30 minutes can significantly enhance the moisture content and add incredible taste. For instance, you can soak your chicken in a mixture of buttermilk or a 2:1 water-to-salt solution, enhanced with fresh garlic slices, lemon or lime rinds, and herbs. This will help keep the chicken juicy and tender throughout the grilling process.

Managing Heat and Cooking Time

The key to grilling moist chicken breasts lies in managing the heat effectively. Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, ensuring it's not too high. Place the chicken breasts on the cooler side of the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to drying out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, which will keep the chicken more tender and juicy.

Additional Moisture Techniques

There are several other methods you can use to keep your chicken breasts from drying out:

Brining: Soaking the chicken breasts in a brine solution for a couple of hours or overnight can help preserve their moisture content. The salt in the brine will draw out some moisture initially, but as the chicken rests, the moisture will be reabsorbed, making the meat juicier. Baking Before Grilling: Par-cooking the chicken breasts in the microwave in a dish with a lid can help them stay juicy. Then, char grill them on the barbecue to achieve that delicious sear. Bacon Lining: To enrich the flavor and maintain moisture, you can lay strips of fatty bacon over the breasts. The fat from the bacon will melt and create a protective layer against the dry heat, ensuring the chicken remains juicy. Another benefit is that you'll end up with some crispy bacon strips to complement your meal. Grilling Over a Water Tray: For an even more controlled environment, consider grilling your chicken over a shallow tray of water. The steam rising from the water will keep the meat moist during the grilling process. Aluminum Foil Wrapping: You can also wrap the chicken breasts in aluminum foil, leaving them unwrapped for the last few minutes to achieve a nice sear. This method ensures slow, even cooking without drying out the meat.

Conclusion

By employing these techniques—marination, proper heat management, additional moisture methods, and careful cooking times—you can successfully cook boneless skinless chicken breasts on a barbecue grill without drying them out. Whether you prefer a balanced indirect cooking method, a flavorful marinade, or a natural moisture-retaining strategy, these tips will help you achieve perfectly moist and delicious chicken every time. Happy grilling!