How Do You Cook Chicken On The Grill Without Drying It Out?

How Do You Cook Chicken On The Grill Without Drying It Out?

Grilling chicken is a summertime staple, but it can be tricky to get it just right. Overcook it, and it will be dry and tough. Undercook it, and it won’t be safe to eat. But with a few simple tips, you can grill chicken that is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

1. Choose the Right Chicken

The first step to grilling chicken without drying it out is to choose the right chicken. Look for chicken breasts or thighs that are boneless and skinless. These cuts of chicken are leaner and will cook more evenly than bone-in, skin-on chicken.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken before grilling helps to keep it moist and flavorful. There are many different marinades you can use, but a simple marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices will do the trick. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.

3. Preheat the Grill

Before you start grilling the chicken, make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This will help to sear the outside of the chicken and keep the juices inside.

4. Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to flip the chicken frequently to prevent it from burning.

5. Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.

Tips for Preventing Dry Chicken

In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few other things you can do to prevent dry chicken:

• Use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through.
• Let the chicken rest. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
• Serve the chicken with a sauce or glaze. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Grilled Chicken Recipes

Now that you know how to grill chicken without drying it out, here are a few recipes to try:

• Grilled Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Herbs
• Grilled Chicken Thighs with BBQ Sauce
• Grilled Chicken Tacos
• Grilled Chicken Salad

Questions and Answers

1. Why is my grilled chicken always dry?

There are a few reasons why your grilled chicken might be dry. You may be overcooking it, not marinating it, or not letting it rest before slicing and serving.

2. How long should I grill chicken breasts?

Grill chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. What is the best way to marinate chicken?

The best way to marinate chicken is to use a marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours.

4. Should I use a meat thermometer when grilling chicken?

Yes, using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

5. How can I keep grilled chicken moist?

To keep grilled chicken moist, marinate it before grilling, cook it over medium-high heat, and let it rest before slicing and serving. You can also serve the chicken with a sauce or glaze.