Grilled chicken breast is a dish that holds a special place in my heart. Its juicy and succulent texture, combined with the smoky flavors from the grilling chicken breast on gas grill, creates a delightful culinary experience that I can never get enough of. Whether it’s for a BBQ party or a simple weeknight dinner, this method always impresses with its versatility and taste.
Using a gas grill is one of the best options to achieve consistently excellent results when grilling chicken breast. The controlled temperature and easy-to-use features make it a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts. In this article, I’ll share my personal insights and a lip-smacking recipe that guarantees moist and tender meat every time.
The Essential Equipment and Usage
To begin your grilling adventure, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Gas grill: Choose a high-quality gas grill with adjustable heat settings to have full control over the cooking temperature.
- Meat thermometer: This is essential to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked without risking overcooking.
- Meat pounder: Use a meat pounder to even out the thickness of the chicken breast, ensuring even cooking.
- Brining bucket: Brining your chicken will help it retain moisture during grilling, and a bucket with a lid makes the process convenient.
Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
Grilling Chicken Breast on Gas Grill
Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe holds a special place in my repertoire of go-to meals. There's something innately satisfying about grilling chicken breasts on a gas grill—the aroma, the sizzle, and the grill marks imbue the meat with a rustic charm. Plus, the brining process ensures each bite is moist and flavorful. This recipe combines simplicity and taste effortlessly, making it a perfect pick for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons BBQ rub (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Brine Preparation: In a brining bucket, dissolve the kosher salt and sugar in water to create the brine.
- Brining the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the brine and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can leave it for up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the gas grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Pound the Chicken: Lightly pound the thickest part of each breast with a meat pounder to ensure even thickness.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the olive oil over the chicken breasts, followed by the BBQ rub, making sure they are well-coated.
- Prepare the Grill: Spray the grill grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated gas grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 220Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1.5gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 2.095mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 35g
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes:
Grilled chicken breast pairs beautifully with various side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Fresh Green Salad: Serve with a refreshing mixed green salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette, to balance the smoky flavors of the chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the gas grill with some bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to complement the chicken.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: Prepare a fragrant cilantro-lime rice to add a zesty kick to your meal.
- Garlic Butter Corn: Grilled corn on the cob brushed with garlic butter makes a perfect side dish for any BBQ feast.
Useful Tips and Common Mistakes:
- Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your gas grill before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and to prevent sticking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Overcooked chicken can dry out quickly, leading to tough and flavorless meat.
- Brine for Moisture: Brining your chicken breast before grilling helps retain moisture, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
- Resting Period: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and delicious result.
Conclusion: Grilling Chicken Breast on Gas Grill
Grilling chicken breast on a gas grill is a delightful and rewarding experience that yields juicy, tender meat with a beautifully caramelized exterior. By following the steps and tips shared in this guide, you’ll become a BBQ pro in no time, impressing friends and family with your grilling skills.
Remember to pre-season, brine, and use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly grilled chicken breasts every time. So fire up the gas grill, prepare the chicken with love and care, and relish the smoky flavors of your perfectly grilled chicken breast! Happy grilling!
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FAQs
How to grill chicken breast on a gas grill without drying out?
To prevent drying out, brining your chicken breast is key. A 30-minute brine helps lock in moisture. Additionally, use a medium-high temperature (375-400°F) and flip the meat just once. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.
What is the perfect grilling time for chicken breast?
Grilling time for chicken breast varies depending on the thickness, but generally, 6-7 minutes per side at medium-high heat (375-400°F) is ideal. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
How long should I brine the chicken breast?
Brine the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, brine it for up to 4 hours.
Can I use a gas grill with a single burner for grilling chicken breast?
Yes, you can still grill chicken breast on a gas grill with a single burner. Just ensure that you maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
How do I prevent the chicken breast from sticking to the grill grates?
To prevent sticking, spray the grill grates with cooking oil before placing the chicken on them.
What’s the best way to season the chicken breast?
Pre-season the chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper before applying the BBQ rub to enhance the flavors.
How can I tell if the chicken breast is cooked thoroughly?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F.
Can I use store-bought BBQ rub, or should I make my own?
You can use store-bought BBQ rub or make your own with a mix of spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.