How Long To Grill Chicken Breast On Charcoal Grill

Grilling chicken perfectly can be a daunting task, especially when you’re using a charcoal grill.

Overcooking results in dry and rubbery meat, while undercooking can lead to unsafe and raw chicken. But fear not!

With our expert tips, you’ll be able to cook the juiciest and most tender chicken breasts on your charcoal grill in no time.

So, if you want to impress your friends and family with your grilling skills, keep reading to learn how long to grill chicken breast on a charcoal grill for that perfect char and flavor.

How Long To Grill Chicken Breast On Charcoal Grill

When grilling boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are 6 to 8 ounces, it is recommended to grill them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once, until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For thicker chicken breasts, they can be grilled for 6 minutes on one side over direct heat, then moved to indirect heat and grilled for 10 minutes on the other side.

You can start by placing the chicken breasts on the hottest part of the grate, directly above the coals, and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping only once, until golden brown.

Then move them to indirect heat and grill for about 6 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for an additional 10 minutes on the other side.

It is important to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is safe to eat.

Learn more about cooking raw chicken in the microwave.

How to Grill Chicken Breast on Charcoal Grill

Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to grill chicken breast on a charcoal grill:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken breast

1. To begin, choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for grilling. It is critical to select high-quality chicken that is both fresh and carefully handled.
2. Look for firm chicken breasts that do not have an odd odor.
3. Using a sharp knife, remove any excess fat or unattractive parts. This promotes consistent cooking and reduces flare-ups on the grill.
4. Clean the chicken breasts by rinsing them in cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
5. This procedure eliminates any debris and bacteria from the chicken’s surface, leaving it clean and ready for seasoning.

Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken Breast

1. It’s now time to season the chicken. Depending on your inclination, you can make a basic marinade or utilize a dry rub.
2. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices to make a marinade. The olive oil keeps the chicken moist, while the acidic lemon juice tenderizes and brightens the meat.
3. Garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs or spices all contribute to the overall flavor profile.
4. If you prefer a dry rub, combine spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any other ingredients you choose. As the chicken cooks, the dry rub develops a delicious crust on top.
5. Coat the chicken breasts equally with the marinade or dry rub, making sure to cover all sides.
6. Place the seasoned chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances the flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the charcoal grill

1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your charcoal grill.
2. Begin by brushing the grill grates to remove any residue or dirt from prior use.
3. This prevents your chicken from sticking to the grates and promotes even cooking.
4. After cleaning the grates, place the charcoal briquettes in a pyramid configuration in the center of the grill. Allow some room around the perimeter for airflow.
5. You can light the charcoal using a chimney starter or directly with lighter fluid.
6. Fill a chimney starter with charcoal and place crumpled newspaper underneath.
7. As the flames reach the charcoal, the newspaper will gradually ignite. If you’re using lighter fluid, squirt a small amount onto the charcoal and let it soak in for a minute. Then, using a long match or a lighter, fire the coals.
8. Allow the coals to burn for 20–30 minutes or until a thin layer of ash forms on top. The ash signifies that the coals are completely ignited and ready for cooking.

Step 4: Set up the grill for indirect grilling

1. In order to achieve consistent cooking and keep the chicken from burning, utilize the indirect grilling method.
2. When the charcoal is ready, use tongs to evenly distribute the hot coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty.
3. This provides two heat zones: one for direct searing and one for indirect cooking without charring the chicken. The indirect heat zone is located on the vacant side of the grill.
4. It enables the chicken to cook gently and evenly, yielding juicy, soft meat.
5. Make sure the grill’s air vents are open to allow for adequate ventilation and temperature regulation.

Step 5: Grilling the Chicken Breast

1. Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Place the chicken breasts immediately over the hot coals in the direct heat zone.
2. The high heat will sear the chicken, resulting in a gorgeous caramelized exterior.
3. Sear each side of the chicken for about 2-3 minutes, or until you have a lovely grill mark and a golden-brown color. This initial searing seals in the fluids and adds flavor.
4. After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to the indirect heat zone, keeping them away from the direct heat.
5. This ensures that the chicken cooks thoroughly without burning the outside.
6. Cover the grill with the cover to trap the heat and circulate it around the chicken. The lid also imparts a smokey flavor to the meat.
7. Allow the chicken to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. It’s critical to keep an eye on the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest area of the breast.
9. This guarantees that the chicken cooks safely and to the correct amount of doneness.
10. If you want a slightly blackened exterior, return the chicken to the direct heat zone for a few minutes before reaching the ultimate internal temperature.

Learn more about the effects of eating undercooked chicken.

Step 6: Rest and serve

When the chicken breasts have reached the proper temperature, take them off the grill with tongs or a spatula.

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Resting causes the liquids in the meat to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and tasty chicken.

To keep the grilled chicken breasts warm while resting, tent them loosely with foil.

After about 5-10 minutes of resting, slice the chicken and serve immediately.

Grilled chicken breast complements a range of dishes, including roasted vegetables, salad, and mashed potatoes.

For an extra taste boost, pour some fresh lemon juice over the chicken.

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Factors that Affect How Long it takes to Grill Chicken Breast on Charcoal Grill

There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to grill chicken breast on a charcoal grill, including:

1. The temperature of the grill: The temperature of the grill can significantly impact how long it takes to cook the chicken. A hot grill will cook the chicken faster than a cooler grill.
2. The thickness of the chicken breast: Thicker chicken breasts will take longer to cook all the way through than thinner breasts.
3. The type of chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will cook faster than bone-in chicken breasts with the skin still on.
4. The marinade or seasoning used: Some marinades or seasonings contain sugar or other ingredients that can cause the chicken to cook faster or slower.
5. The altitude: Cooking at higher altitudes can affect cooking times due to changes in atmospheric pressure and a decrease in oxygen levels.
6. The wind: Wind can cause fluctuating temperatures in the grill, which can affect cooking times.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can adjust your cooking time and ensure that your chicken breast is cooked thoroughly and to your desired level of doneness.

Learn more about how to grill chicken breast on a charcoal grill.

FAQs

How long should I grill chicken breasts on a charcoal grill?

Generally speaking, you’ll want to grill chicken breasts on a charcoal grill for around 6–8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the breasts. You can check for doneness by cutting into one of the thickest parts of the breast and making sure the juices run clear.

Should I marinate my chicken before grilling it?

Marinating chicken before grilling can add flavor and moisture to your chicken breasts, so it’s definitely worth considering. You can use a range of marinades with different flavor profiles depending on your tastes.

How hot should the grill be for grilling chicken breasts?

Your grill should be heated to around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit for grilling chicken breasts. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.

Should I oil the grill grates before grilling chicken breasts?

Yes, it’s a good idea to oil the grill grates before grilling chicken breasts to prevent them from sticking to the grates. You can use a brush or paper towel to lightly coat the grates with oil.

Do I need to brine my chicken before grilling it?

Brining your chicken before grilling it can help to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. However, it’s not strictly necessary, particularly if you’re marinating your chicken beforehand.

How can I add more flavor to my grilled chicken breasts?

There are lots of ways to add more flavor to your grilled chicken breasts! As well as marinating or brining them beforehand, you can also try seasoning them with herbs and spices or using a flavored rub. Some people even like to baste their chicken with a sauce while it’s grilling to add extra flavor.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, grilling chicken breast on a charcoal grill is a delicious and satisfying way to prepare this classic dish.

It’s important to remember to preheat the grill, season the chicken well, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F.

With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy perfectly grilled chicken breast in no time. Happy grilling!