To grill chicken successfully, follow these key steps:
- Preparation and Marination : Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours) in a mixture of your choice such as olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings or Italian dressing. Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Preheat the Grill : Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grilling : Place the chicken breasts on the grill over direct heat. Grill the chicken without moving too much to get nice grill marks, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Turn the chicken once to ensure even cooking.
- Check Temperature : Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Resting : Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Additional tips are to avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy and to oil the grates well to avoid sticking. This process can also be done on an indoor grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
