Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast

Name: Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups water; 3 tbsp kosher salt (for brine); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Juicy, never-dry grilled chicken breast every time. The secret is a quick brine and proper heat management.

Grilling

4.4 · 22 ratings

🕐 Prep: 10 min | 🔥 Cook: 12 min | ⏱️ Total: 22 min

Equipment

Ingredients

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Instructions

Brine

1. Dissolve salt in water. Submerge chicken breasts. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Remove, rinse briefly, and pat very dry with paper towels.

Season and Grill

1. Rub chicken with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and pepper.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450°F).
3. Grill 5-6 minutes per side. Do NOT press down on the chicken.
4. Remove when internal temperature reaches 160°F. Rest 5 minutes (carryover will bring it to 165°F).

Cook's Notes

💡 The 30-minute brine is the difference between good and great.
💡 Pound thick breasts to even thickness before brining for uniform cooking.
💡 Let it rest — cutting immediately lets all the juices run out.