How Long to Grill Chicken Breast (Juicy Every Time!)

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 salads, 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!).

What You’ll Need

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.

How to Tell When Chicken Breast Is Done

To test if chicken breasts are done, the most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, to check that that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, you can cut into the chicken and check to make sure the meat is white throughout with no pinkness, and the juices run clear, not red or pink.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Breasts

Whether you’re making grilled chicken ahead for meal prep, or as a topping for a salad, this recipe will be your new go-to! Here are a few serving suggestions that I use on a weekly basis:

• Slice or shred: depending on the dish, you can slice the grilled chicken into strips for a Chicken Caesar Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or Chicken Pesto Pasta, or shred it for Chicken Tacos or Buffalo Chicken Wraps.
• Serve hot or cold: on a salad, you might want to serve grilled chicken chilled, or for something like Bruschetta Chicken, warm is the best option!
• Sauce options: serve with a creamy ranch or barbecue dipping sauce. You can also drizzle a balsamic glaze on the top of the chicken right before serving. For a more complex sauce, try my Marry Me Chicken that’s creamy and fabulous, or Orange Chicken for delicious Asian flavors.
• Side dishes: pair with rice, Smashed Potatoes, or smoky Baked Beans as a starch. For veggies, try Mexican Street Corn or simple Sautéed Broccoli!

Video: Watch How to Grill Chicken Breast

Recommended Tools

• Grill
• Sturdy grilling spatula
• Meat thermometer

Storage Tips

• To store: Grilled chicken can be kept in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days.
• To freeze: If you need to store the chicken for more than a few days, freeze it! 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.