How to Grill Chicken Breast

This simple 20-minute recipe shows you how to grill the most succulent, mouthwatering chicken of all time! It features a classic garlic-lime spice rub that gives the meat amazing flavor, but you can season your Grilled Chicken Breast however you’d like.

Want more Grilled Chicken Recipes? You need to try out my Grilled Balsamic Caprese Chicken, Tequila Lime Chicken or the Only BBQ Chicken You’ll Ever Need.

Perfectly Tender & Juicy Grilled Chicken

When grilled chicken is done right, I seriously can’t get enough of it. I’ll set apart my leftovers in their own airtight container and write my name on it to make sure I get my fair share! Whether I’m slow-cooking some soup, tossing a salad or stirring up some mac and cheese, those leftovers will be put to good use.

This quick and easy recipe ensures that your grilled chicken will always come out juicy and tender with just the right amount of char. I like to flavor my chicken with a smoky, zesty, garlicky spice rub composed of classic seasonings. That way, it’s guaranteed to go well with practically everything!

That being said, you can opt for any spice rub or marinade you’re in the mood for. No matter what flavor profile you bring into play, you’re going to learn how to grill flawless chicken with ease.

What You’ll Need

When in doubt, stick with the trusty ingredient lineup that follows – everyone will drool over the end result. Scroll down to the recipe card near the bottom of this post to see the amounts.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, you’ll have to defrost them completely before you work with them.
• Garlic Powder
• Ground Cumin
• Smoked Paprika
• Ground Coriander: This earthy spice is made of dried seeds from the cilantro plant.
• Salt & Pepper
• Olive Oil: Or canola oil. Avoid any alternative that doesn’t have a high smoke point.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed.

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How to Grill Chicken Breast

Making irresistible grilled chicken doesn’t have to involve a lengthy marinating process or a bunch of work. This dish is definitely something you can whip up at the last minute!

Prepare Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 350-375°F.

Make Spice Rub: Combine the garlic powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil and lime juice in a small bowl. Mix until everything is combined.

Season Chicken: Add the chicken to a large bowl and rub the spice blend onto both sides of each breast. Let the chicken sit for 5-10 minutes so it can start absorbing flavor.

Grill Chicken: Place the prepared chicken onto the clean grill grates and cook each side for 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness. Remove your chicken from the grill once its internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Let Rest: Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes before you cut into it.

Serve: Enjoy!

How Long Do You Cook Chicken on the Grill?

I’ve found that it takes around 8-12 minutes to cook boneless chicken breasts on the grill, or 4-6 minutes per side. The thicker the chicken is, the more you’ll have to cook it.

In any case, I recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. Your chicken will be good to go once the thickest part of each breast registers at 165°F. Full disclosure, I usually take it off a degree or two sooner since it’ll continue to cook for a little after it’s removed from the grill.

Tips for Success

Determined to make your grilled chicken as tempting as possible? These handy tips have got your back.

• Size is Key: Try to find chicken breasts that are all relatively the same size and thickness so they’ll cook at the same rate. If some breasts are thicker than others, use a mallet to pound them down as needed. If any breasts have bulky areas, pound down just those portions – you want the thickness to be even on an individual basis as well.
• Grease the Grill Grates: It’s helpful to grease your grill grates with a little bit of cooking spray before you start searing the chicken. This way, it won’t stick under any circumstances.
• Use Tongs to Handle the Chicken: It’s always important to take precautions when you’re grilling to avoid burning yourself. I suggest using tongs to handle the chicken so your hands don’t have to go near the open flame.
• Let the Chicken Rest Before You Slice It: Whatever you do, don’t slice up your chicken as soon as it comes off the grill! Let it rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Meat Thermometer: Chicken is one of those proteins you don’t want to undercook or overcook. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is at the exact temperature you need.

Ways to Flavor Your Chicken

Chicken can be seasoned in countless ways, and this juicy grilled version is no exception. Here are some tasty spice rubs and marinades to play around with:

• Italian Seasoning
• Teriyaki Marinade
• Cajun Seasoning
• Mango BBQ Sauce
• Blackened Seasoning
• Balsamic Marinade
• Southwest Seasoning
• Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Serving Suggestions

Once your chicken is grilled and ready to go, you can take it in tons of different directions. Here are my favorite items to serve it with.

• Avocado Tomato Salad
• Superfood Broccolini Salad
• Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Marinated Tomato Salad
• Watermelon Feta Salad with Cucumber
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

How to Store and Reheat Extras

Once your chicken has cooled completely, store it in a shallow airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay good for up to 4 days. In order to keep your chicken nice and juicy, I recommend reheating it in the oven.

Wrap each breast in aluminum foil along with a couple tablespoons of water or chicken broth, then bake them at 250°F until their internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let them rest again before you slice them.

Does Grilled Chicken Freeze Well?

If you let it cool completely and store it properly, grilled chicken does very well in the freezer. First, wrap the chicken tightly in freezer paper, plastic wrap or heavy-duty foil. Freeze the wrapped chicken in a sturdy storage bag for up to 4 months, thawing it out in the fridge before you reheat it.

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More Easy Grilling Tutorials

Want to make the most out of this grilling season? Be sure to add the following dishes to your list.

• How to Grill Steak Perfectly Every Time
• How to Grill Vegetables
• How to Grill Salmon
• My Go to Grilling Essentials
• How to Grill Burgers Every Time

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