I’ll show you the best method for grilled chicken breasts so they’re juicy and caramelized every time. My tips, tricks, and recipe ideas for using grilled chicken breasts will guide you every step of the way!
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A grilling season staple has to be chicken breasts. They’re versatile, easy to make in big batches for meal prep, and when grilled right, they’re SO flavorful and juicy. If you’re looking to grill a mean chicken breast, you’ve come to the right place. These grilled chicken breasts are marinaded in balsamic vinegar for just a few minutes, which helps tenderize the meat, keeping it oh-so tender when grilled. Also, who loves those crispy bits on the outside of grilled chicken? Well you’re in for a treat, because this recipe creates the perfect char, all thanks to that balsamic vinegar.
The tricks, from how long to grill chicken breasts, to how long to rest them, are all here for you! Just like my Grilled Chicken Thighs, use them for Chicken Caesar Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, as a main dish, or a side dish. Eat them hot off the grill or chilled – you can’t go wrong. Don’t have a grill? Learn How to Bake Juicy Chicken Breast (at 425!).
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Super easy, foolproof steps
- Customizable (serving ideas and flavor combos)
- Yields the juiciest grilled chicken ever!
Ingredients
You only need 2 ingredients to grill the juiciest chicken breasts ever!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – I use boneless skinless chicken breasts because they’re easy to grill, slice, and eat!
- Balsamic vinegar (the marinade) – the acidity in the vinegar helps to tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making it more tender and juicier. Balsamic vinegar also adds a subtle tangy, sweet flavor, while the natural sugars in balsamic vinegar caramelize, creating a crispy, flavorful crust on the chicken.
How Long to Grill Chicken Breast
Grill medium boneless skinless chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side (12-16 minutes total) on a preheated 450℉ grill. Make sure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breasts reaches 165℉.
How to Grill Chicken Breast
Preheat and marinate. Preheat grill to 450℉. Marinate chicken in balsamic vinegar for 5 minutes.
Grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side (12-16 minutes total), or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉.
Season and enjoy. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let rest for 5 minutes.
My Pro Tip
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Breast
Choose even-sized breasts: for easy grilling, choose similar-sized breasts so they all cook for similar times.
Preheat the grill: preheating your grill will help sear the chicken, locking in its juices.
Don’t overcook: chicken is done at 165℉. Overcooked chicken breasts can be dry.
Let them rest: after grilling, let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Here are classic ways to serve grilled chicken breast that you and your family are sure to love:
- With Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans
- With Grilled Corn on the Cob
- On top of a Chicken Caesar Salad
- With Vinegar Coleslaw or Mexican Coleslaw
- With Homemade BBQ sauce or honey mustard on the side
- With Roasted Mushrooms
- As a Grilled Chicken Sandwich
More Chicken Breast Recipes You’ll Love!
Easy Weeknight Dinners
Dad’s Chicken Saltimbocca
Easy Weeknight Dinners
Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked!)
If you’ve tried this How Long to Grill Chicken Breast recipe or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
How Long to Grill Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Grill
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 450℉. While preheating, marinate chicken in balsamic vinegar for 5 minutes.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes per side (12-16 minutes total), or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken breasts reaches 165℉.
- Sprinkle grilled chicken with salt and pepper, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or enjoying.
Video
Notes
- For small chicken breasts, grill for 4-6 minutes per side.
- For large chicken breasts, grill for 8-10 minutes per side.
- I don’t recommend marinating the chicken for longer than a few minutes! Marinating for too long in vinegar (over an hour) can toughen the chicken.
- Feel free to halve, double or triple this recipe based on your needs.
- To store: grilled chicken can be kept in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days.
- To freeze: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen grilled chicken lasts about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat: Place chicken on a baking sheet with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350℉ until hot. In the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, add a splash of water, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tender and juicy every time. Perfect take on a classic!
Can’t beat it! ๐
Grace
What a great idea to use balsamic vinegar. Adds a depth of flavor that I just loved! Will be grilling a batch on weekends to add to salads and sandwiches throughout the week.
I love grilling big batches for the week too! ๐
Grace
I have always experienced problems grilling chicken breasts. They are either dry or not cooked. I followed your instructions carefully and my chicken breast came out perfectly! Absolutely fabulous and really easy!
This is such a cool trick! I’ve never marinated and only sprinkled adobo or bbq seasoning on it before it hits the grill. I’ll be using the balsamic tonight! Do you add any olive oil to it?
Hi!
I usually don’t do any olive oil, but you can add a bit to the balsamic if preferred. Totally a preference!
Grace