Grilled Chicken Breast: 15-Minute Lean, Juicy & Perfectly Charred

Grilled chicken breast is the healthiest, leanest protein for outdoor cooking. Tender, juicy white meat with beautiful char marks and smoky flavor all cooked to perfection in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re grilling for your family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a summer barbecue, grilled chicken breast delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

I’m Matt, a home cook and dad of two, and I’ve mastered the art of grilling perfect chicken breast. The secret? Proper temperature control, strategic seasoning, and one critical technique that keeps lean meat impossibly juicy while creating those coveted char marks. Let me show you how to grill chicken breast that becomes your family’s favorite summer dinner.

Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe: Simple & Foolproof

Master this foolproof grilling recipe for perfectly juicy grilled chicken breast. Just prep, season, and grill you’ll have restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken (3 minutes)
Remove the chicken breast from packaging and pat completely dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents good char marks and even cooking. Let sit uncovered for 5 minutes to air-dry further.

Step 2: Season Generously (2 minutes)
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Rub seasoning evenly over both sides of each breast. Let the seasoned chicken sit for 5 minutes before cooking.

Step 3: Oil the Grill (2 minutes)
Preheat grill to medium-high (375–400°F or 190–204°C). Oil grill grates with a brush dipped in olive oil to prevent sticking and help develop char on the chicken.

Step 4: Grill (12–15 minutes)
Place chicken on hot grates. Grill for 6–7 minutes without moving. Flip once and grill another 6–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of your grilled chicken breast.

Step 5: Rest & Serve (3 minutes)
Remove from grill and let rest on a clean plate for 3 minutes. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Resting keeps your grilled chicken breast tender and redistributes juices for maximum flavor.

Why Grilled Chicken Breast Is Perfect for Summer Cooking

Grilled chicken breast offers 3 major advantages for outdoor cooking. First, it’s the leanest cut just 3% fat making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious families. Second, grilling adds smoky flavor without added calories or oil.

Lean & Healthy Protein

Grilled chicken breast is the lowest-calorie poultry option, delivering maximum protein with minimal fat. Perfect for diet-conscious cooks seeking clean eating without sacrifice.

Smoky Flavor Without Extra Oil

Grilling creates beautiful char marks and smoky depth naturally. You get restaurant-quality flavor from the grill itself, not from heavy sauces or added oil. For faster indoor cooking, check our Air Fryer Chicken Breast guide.

Perfect for Meal Prep & Entertaining

Grill multiple breasts at once for the week ahead. Leftovers taste great cold for salads or sandwiches. Impress guests with beautiful char marks and professional presentation. Explore our complete Easy Chicken Recipes guide for 30+ serving ideas.

Grilled Chicken Breast: Temperature & Timing Guide

Getting perfect results depends on grill temperature and breast thickness. Lean meat needs careful temperature control to stay juicy while developing beautiful char marks.

Temperature & Time Chart

Pro Tip: Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part with a meat thermometer. This is the only reliable way to guarantee food safety and juicy grilled chicken breast every time.

The Pro Secrets for Perfect Grilled Chicken Breast

I’ve grilled hundreds of breasts. Here are the game-changing techniques that guarantee juicy meat with beautiful char marks every single time:

Secret #1 – Pound to Even Thickness

Uneven thickness means uneven cooking. Use a meat mallet to pound grilled chicken breast to ½ inch uniform thickness. This ensures every part cooks simultaneously, preventing dry edges and raw centers.

Secret #2 – Oil the Grates, Not the Chicken

Oil-coated grates prevent sticking better than oiling the meat. Brush grates with oil before placing chicken on heat. This creates a natural non-stick surface and helps develop char marks.

Secret #3 – Don’t Flip Too Often

Place grilled chicken breast on hot grates and leave it alone for 6–7 minutes. One flip is all you need. Constant flipping prevents char development and dries out the meat.

Secret #4 – Use a Meat Thermometer

Don’t cut into the meat to check doneness—that releases precious juices. Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety without overcooking.

Secret #5 – Rest Before Serving

After grilling, rest grilled chicken breast for 3 minutes on a clean plate. Resting redistributes juices throughout the meat, keeping every bite tender and moist. This final step separates home cooks from professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions about grilling chicken plus answers to save you time at the barbecue:

The Bottom Line

Grilled chicken breast is the perfect lean protein for summer cooking and year-round grilling. In just 15 minutes, you get beautiful char marks, smoky flavor, and juicy, tender meat all with minimal effort.

Master this recipe and you’ll grill chicken weekly. It’s foolproof, healthy, and impressive enough for entertaining. Serve it whole, slice for salads, or shred for sandwiches and tacos.

Ready to explore more chicken recipes? Check our complete Easy Chicken Recipes Guide for 30+ dinner ideas. Or try our Marinated Grilled Chicken for flavor-packed variations with signature marinades.

Grilled Chicken Breast (15-Min Lean, Juicy & Perfectly Charred)

Author	Matt – My Dinner Ideas
Servings	4 servings
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	12–15 minutes
Cuisine	American
Course	Main
Difficulty	Easy

🖨️ Print Recipe

Equipment

• 🔥Outdoor grill (gas or charcoal)
• 🧽Grill brush (for clean grates)
• 🖌️Brush or paper towel + tongs (to oil grates)
• 🍴Tongs (for flipping once)
• 🌡️Instant-read meat thermometer
• 🔪Cutting board and knife
• 🥣Small bowl (for seasoning mix)

Ingredients

• 🍗4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
• 🫒2 tbsp olive oil (for oiling grill grates)
• 🧄1 tsp garlic powder
• 🌶️1 tsp paprika
• 🧅½ tsp onion powder
• 🧂1 tsp sea salt
• ⚫½ tsp black pepper
• 🍋1 fresh lemon (for juice)
• 🌿1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit uncovered for 5 minutes to air-dry for better char marks.
2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides evenly.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F / 190–204°C). Brush oil onto the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Place chicken on the hot grates. Grill for 6–7 minutes without moving. Flip once and grill 6–8 minutes more.
5. Check doneness with a thermometer: the thickest part must reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Transfer to a clean plate and rest for 3 minutes. Finish with fresh lemon juice (and thyme if using). Slice and serve.

Notes

• For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness before seasoning.
• Flip only once—moving the chicken too soon prevents char marks and can dry it out.
• If the outside browns too fast, move chicken to indirect heat to finish cooking gently.
• Resting is non-negotiable: it keeps the meat juicy and tender.
• Optional marinade: marinate 30 minutes to 4 hours for extra flavor and moisture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	≈ 260 kcal
Protein	≈ 42 g
Carbohydrates	≈ 1 g
Total Fat	≈ 9 g
Saturated Fat	≈ 2 g
Cholesterol	≈ 125 mg
Sodium	≈ 650 mg
Fiber	≈ 0 g
Sugars	≈ 0 g

*Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.