How-To Barbecue, How-To Guides

How to BBQ Chicken Breasts

How to BBQ Chicken Breasts: A restaurant favourite thanks to their depth of flavour, Swaledale’s free-range, herb-fed chicken breasts are perfect for the grill. Learn how to BBQ chicken breasts for juicy, evenly cooked results every time — whether you’re using charcoal or gas. From seasoning tips to grilling techniques, this guide will help you master perfectly grilled chicken at home.

How Long to BBQ Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are naturally lean and tender, so timing is key to avoid dryness on the grill. As a general guide, BBQ chicken breasts for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. For best results, use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 75℃ to ensure they’re cooked through and still juicy. Whether you’re grilling over charcoal or gas, keeping an eye on both time and temperature is essential for perfect barbecue chicken.

How to Cook Chicken Breasts on the BBQ

To get the most out of your barbecue chicken, preparation is key. If you’re using a marinade, apply it at least a few hours in advance. Overnight is best to allow the flavours to fully penetrate the meat.

  1. Before cooking, pat the chicken breasts dry to remove any excess moisture and bring them to room temperature. Drizzle with olive oil and rub all over. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Now’s the time to add any additional spices. Paprika, parsley, ginger or basil all work well with grilled chicken breast.
  2. Your BBQ should be hot but not searing. Too much heat will char the outside before the centre is fully cooked. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down and grill for 4–5 minutes. If the heat feels too fierce, shift them to a cooler zone on the grill.
  3. Flip and cook the other side for a further 4–5 minutes. Aim for visible grill marks and a slight char, but most importantly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. 75℃ is the safe point for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
  4. Once done, remove the breasts from the grill and let them rest on a warm plate for 5 minutes before serving.

Top Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Breasts

  • If you don’t have a thermometer, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the chicken breast and check that the juices run clear.
  • For a quicker cook on a hotter grill, try slicing the breasts into smaller pieces. Lay the breast flat on a chopping board, then run a sharp knife parallel to the board to cut it into three thinner slices. Cook these over the hottest part of the BBQ for quick, chargrilled chicken that’s ideal for wraps or salads.
  • Avoid constantly turning the chicken. Let it develop good grill marks before flipping. This not only locks in flavour but also helps prevent sticking.
  • If using a marinade with sugar or honey, be extra watchful as it can burn quickly over high heat. Consider cooking over indirect heat or moving the chicken to a cooler part of the grill partway through.

Chicken Breast BBQ Recipes

Chicken breasts smothered in a sticky, tangy BBQ sauce are always a hit on the grill. Brush the sauce over the chicken about a minute before it’s done to avoid burning and ensure a glossy, caramelised finish.

If you’re after something with more heat, Cajun chicken is a great option. Spiced with zesty Cajun seasoning, these grilled chicken breasts can be sliced and tossed into a Caesar salad for extra colour, bold flavour and texture.

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  • Much of the beef on tables and in kitchens at this time of year comes from Bill Whittaker’s herd of Belted Galloway cattle.

They graze land in the shadow of Ingleborough, feeding on diverse forage shaped by limestone ground. It is land that suits the cattle, and cattle that suit the land.

We usually receive Bill’s beef once a year, when it is ready. It is always a good moment when it arrives. Beef like this cannot be rushed. It follows the season.

This is the way we like to work. Smaller farms, running the right cattle on the right ground, producing beef that fits the rhythm of the year.

As we head into the new year, we are always keen to hear from other farmers working with native breeds, regenerative systems, and properly pasture-fed livestock. If that sounds like you, and you have something coming through, do get in touch.
  • Sometimes it takes a new perspective, a fresh angle, to see the value in things. To reverse a perception that might be long held and deeply ingrained. But when we achieve that moment of clarity, the bright light of revelation, the effect can be significant. A door opened and a new future imagined. 

Too much? Well, probably. But maybe, just maybe your eyes really are being opened to a new way. A future of menu writing with the possibility of a new ‘butchers’ steak’; move over bavette, onglet and Denver and step into the spotlight the chuck eye steak. 

Traditionally, a chuck, to butchers and chefs is most likely to conjure images of pies, stews and bourguignons. Your archetypal braising cut, or so it had been assumed. We don’t believe it should be confined by these parameters and are rather taken with the idea of it becoming your new favourite secondary steak. The chuck is the muscle that extends from the ribeye into the neck, like a pork collar, meaning it has good natural marbling and a nice, open texture. Cooked pink, with a great crust and basted in brown butter, it truly is an excellent steak.

For maximum value, snaffle yourself a whole chuck, trim away some of the meat that runs around the eye, reserving for something braised and delicious, then cut yourself some choice steaks. You won’t regret it.
  • A rich, booze-laden beast of a pie. This is no ordinary mince pie. It is deep-filled, indulgent and made with real craft by @joshwhiteheadchef of @finer_pleasures.

We are down to the last few. Our mailing list heard about them yesterday, which is why they are moving quickly. If you want first sight of future specials, sign up.

Josh has been working on this recipe for three years. It is rooted in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 mince pie, where meat was once part of the mix. He has taken that idea and turned it on its head, using the clean, buttery fat from our native-breed cattle in place of suet.

The filling is dried fruit soaked since July in Armagnac, aged port, Madeira and homemade ginger wine. There are ceps cooked slowly in brown sugar syrup until they turn to toffee. And yes, a little Bovril. Trust Josh, it works.

Bake at 185°C until golden, let it sit for two minutes, then eat warm. A dusting of icing sugar finishes it well. Serve with cream, custard or brandy butter.

A very special mince pie, and nearly gone.
  • Highland cattle get photographed a lot. They are turned into cuddly toys. But beneath the coat is a hardy animal that can stand the worst of a Yorkshire winter. That is why Andy Lambert grazes them high on the Dales, on rough ground where few other breeds would thrive. They are the one of the few cattle that can turn this hard landscape into rich, delicious beef. It feeds our chefs and home cooks across the country. We are grateful for them, and it is always a pleasure to see them on the tops.
  • A ragù alla bolognese with a few top tips from chef @grylos.

Beef, pork, and a little surprise at the end for real depth. Slow cooked until rich, deep, and properly delicious.

Find the full recipe on our journal and cook it slow this weekend. What’s your secret to a good bolognese?

@grylos 
@tom_saunderson
  • We love yellow fat. Do you?

This is an old Dexter. You do not see beef like this every day. When one comes in, we get a little excited.
  • One of the motivations for operating a whole carcass butchery model is access to the other bits – offal and ‘butchers cuts’. For us, they are just as important a part of the picture as the more famous, prime cuts. 
So, it gives us immense satisfaction that we now sell more of these delights then we ever have. For chefs understand that these cuts and organs offer something a little different. Yes, in terms of flavour and value but also, we think, in terms of creativity. A ribeye or a rack of lamb might inspire more classic garnishes, whereas an ox heart or a pig’s tongue allow the imaginations run a little freer. It takes skill and touch to cook these cuts well and the results can be extraordinary.
We’ll keep buying the whole carcasses, you guys keep cooking the offal and butcher’s cuts!
  • Small herds, native breeds, and wild game, all farmed and sourced with care, are what we’re about and what we care deeply for.

The partridge, often called the hedge chicken, is one of the best introductions to game. Mild, tender, full of flavour, and truly sustainable. In fact, we should be eating more of it to help prevent wastage from wild-shot game.

Here’s @grylos with an autumnal take on a classic: a partridge Caesar salad. It might just inspire you to give this delicious wild game a go.
Much of the beef on tables and in kitchens at this time of year comes from Bill Whittaker’s herd of Belted Galloway cattle.

They graze land in the shadow of Ingleborough, feeding on diverse forage shaped by limestone ground. It is land that suits the cattle, and cattle that suit the land.

We usually receive Bill’s beef once a year, when it is ready. It is always a good moment when it arrives. Beef like this cannot be rushed. It follows the season.

This is the way we like to work. Smaller farms, running the right cattle on the right ground, producing beef that fits the rhythm of the year.

As we head into the new year, we are always keen to hear from other farmers working with native breeds, regenerative systems, and properly pasture-fed livestock. If that sounds like you, and you have something coming through, do get in touch.
Much of the beef on tables and in kitchens at this time of year comes from Bill Whittaker’s herd of Belted Galloway cattle.

They graze land in the shadow of Ingleborough, feeding on diverse forage shaped by limestone ground. It is land that suits the cattle, and cattle that suit the land.

We usually receive Bill’s beef once a year, when it is ready. It is always a good moment when it arrives. Beef like this cannot be rushed. It follows the season.

This is the way we like to work. Smaller farms, running the right cattle on the right ground, producing beef that fits the rhythm of the year.

As we head into the new year, we are always keen to hear from other farmers working with native breeds, regenerative systems, and properly pasture-fed livestock. If that sounds like you, and you have something coming through, do get in touch.
Much of the beef on tables and in kitchens at this time of year comes from Bill Whittaker’s herd of Belted Galloway cattle.

They graze land in the shadow of Ingleborough, feeding on diverse forage shaped by limestone ground. It is land that suits the cattle, and cattle that suit the land.

We usually receive Bill’s beef once a year, when it is ready. It is always a good moment when it arrives. Beef like this cannot be rushed. It follows the season.

This is the way we like to work. Smaller farms, running the right cattle on the right ground, producing beef that fits the rhythm of the year.

As we head into the new year, we are always keen to hear from other farmers working with native breeds, regenerative systems, and properly pasture-fed livestock. If that sounds like you, and you have something coming through, do get in touch.
Much of the beef on tables and in kitchens at this time of year comes from Bill Whittaker’s herd of Belted Galloway cattle.

They graze land in the shadow of Ingleborough, feeding on diverse forage shaped by limestone ground. It is land that suits the cattle, and cattle that suit the land.

We usually receive Bill’s beef once a year, when it is ready. It is always a good moment when it arrives. Beef like this cannot be rushed. It follows the season.

This is the way we like to work. Smaller farms, running the right cattle on the right ground, producing beef that fits the rhythm of the year.

As we head into the new year, we are always keen to hear from other farmers working with native breeds, regenerative systems, and properly pasture-fed livestock. If that sounds like you, and you have something coming through, do get in touch.
Much of the beef on tables and in kitchens at this time of year comes from Bill Whittaker’s herd of Belted Galloway cattle.

They graze land in the shadow of Ingleborough, feeding on diverse forage shaped by limestone ground. It is land that suits the cattle, and cattle that suit the land.

We usually receive Bill’s beef once a year, when it is ready. It is always a good moment when it arrives. Beef like this cannot be rushed. It follows the season.

This is the way we like to work. Smaller farms, running the right cattle on the right ground, producing beef that fits the rhythm of the year.

As we head into the new year, we are always keen to hear from other farmers working with native breeds, regenerative systems, and properly pasture-fed livestock. If that sounds like you, and you have something coming through, do get in touch.
Much of the beef on tables and in kitchens at this time of year comes from Bill Whittaker’s herd of Belted Galloway cattle.

They graze land in the shadow of Ingleborough, feeding on diverse forage shaped by limestone ground. It is land that suits the cattle, and cattle that suit the land.

We usually receive Bill’s beef once a year, when it is ready. It is always a good moment when it arrives. Beef like this cannot be rushed. It follows the season.

This is the way we like to work. Smaller farms, running the right cattle on the right ground, producing beef that fits the rhythm of the year.

As we head into the new year, we are always keen to hear from other farmers working with native breeds, regenerative systems, and properly pasture-fed livestock. If that sounds like you, and you have something coming through, do get in touch.
Much of the beef on tables and in kitchens at this time of year comes from Bill Whittaker’s herd of Belted Galloway cattle. They graze land in the shadow of Ingleborough, feeding on diverse forage shaped by limestone ground. It is land that suits the cattle, and cattle that suit the land. We usually receive Bill’s beef once a year, when it is ready. It is always a good moment when it arrives. Beef like this cannot be rushed. It follows the season. This is the way we like to work. Smaller farms, running the right cattle on the right ground, producing beef that fits the rhythm of the year. As we head into the new year, we are always keen to hear from other farmers working with native breeds, regenerative systems, and properly pasture-fed livestock. If that sounds like you, and you have something coming through, do get in touch.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/8
Sometimes it takes a new perspective, a fresh angle, to see the value in things. To reverse a perception that might be long held and deeply ingrained. But when we achieve that moment of clarity, the bright light of revelation, the effect can be significant. A door opened and a new future imagined. Too much? Well, probably. But maybe, just maybe your eyes really are being opened to a new way. A future of menu writing with the possibility of a new ‘butchers’ steak’; move over bavette, onglet and Denver and step into the spotlight the chuck eye steak. Traditionally, a chuck, to butchers and chefs is most likely to conjure images of pies, stews and bourguignons. Your archetypal braising cut, or so it had been assumed. We don’t believe it should be confined by these parameters and are rather taken with the idea of it becoming your new favourite secondary steak. The chuck is the muscle that extends from the ribeye into the neck, like a pork collar, meaning it has good natural marbling and a nice, open texture. Cooked pink, with a great crust and basted in brown butter, it truly is an excellent steak. For maximum value, snaffle yourself a whole chuck, trim away some of the meat that runs around the eye, reserving for something braised and delicious, then cut yourself some choice steaks. You won’t regret it.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/8
A rich, booze-laden beast of a pie. This is no ordinary mince pie. It is deep-filled, indulgent and made with real craft by @joshwhiteheadchef of @finer_pleasures.

We are down to the last few. Our mailing list heard about them yesterday, which is why they are moving quickly. If you want first sight of future specials, sign up.

Josh has been working on this recipe for three years. It is rooted in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 mince pie, where meat was once part of the mix. He has taken that idea and turned it on its head, using the clean, buttery fat from our native-breed cattle in place of suet.

The filling is dried fruit soaked since July in Armagnac, aged port, Madeira and homemade ginger wine. There are ceps cooked slowly in brown sugar syrup until they turn to toffee. And yes, a little Bovril. Trust Josh, it works.

Bake at 185°C until golden, let it sit for two minutes, then eat warm. A dusting of icing sugar finishes it well. Serve with cream, custard or brandy butter.

A very special mince pie, and nearly gone.
A rich, booze-laden beast of a pie. This is no ordinary mince pie. It is deep-filled, indulgent and made with real craft by @joshwhiteheadchef of @finer_pleasures.

We are down to the last few. Our mailing list heard about them yesterday, which is why they are moving quickly. If you want first sight of future specials, sign up.

Josh has been working on this recipe for three years. It is rooted in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 mince pie, where meat was once part of the mix. He has taken that idea and turned it on its head, using the clean, buttery fat from our native-breed cattle in place of suet.

The filling is dried fruit soaked since July in Armagnac, aged port, Madeira and homemade ginger wine. There are ceps cooked slowly in brown sugar syrup until they turn to toffee. And yes, a little Bovril. Trust Josh, it works.

Bake at 185°C until golden, let it sit for two minutes, then eat warm. A dusting of icing sugar finishes it well. Serve with cream, custard or brandy butter.

A very special mince pie, and nearly gone.
A rich, booze-laden beast of a pie. This is no ordinary mince pie. It is deep-filled, indulgent and made with real craft by @joshwhiteheadchef of @finer_pleasures.

We are down to the last few. Our mailing list heard about them yesterday, which is why they are moving quickly. If you want first sight of future specials, sign up.

Josh has been working on this recipe for three years. It is rooted in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 mince pie, where meat was once part of the mix. He has taken that idea and turned it on its head, using the clean, buttery fat from our native-breed cattle in place of suet.

The filling is dried fruit soaked since July in Armagnac, aged port, Madeira and homemade ginger wine. There are ceps cooked slowly in brown sugar syrup until they turn to toffee. And yes, a little Bovril. Trust Josh, it works.

Bake at 185°C until golden, let it sit for two minutes, then eat warm. A dusting of icing sugar finishes it well. Serve with cream, custard or brandy butter.

A very special mince pie, and nearly gone.
A rich, booze-laden beast of a pie. This is no ordinary mince pie. It is deep-filled, indulgent and made with real craft by @joshwhiteheadchef of @finer_pleasures.

We are down to the last few. Our mailing list heard about them yesterday, which is why they are moving quickly. If you want first sight of future specials, sign up.

Josh has been working on this recipe for three years. It is rooted in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 mince pie, where meat was once part of the mix. He has taken that idea and turned it on its head, using the clean, buttery fat from our native-breed cattle in place of suet.

The filling is dried fruit soaked since July in Armagnac, aged port, Madeira and homemade ginger wine. There are ceps cooked slowly in brown sugar syrup until they turn to toffee. And yes, a little Bovril. Trust Josh, it works.

Bake at 185°C until golden, let it sit for two minutes, then eat warm. A dusting of icing sugar finishes it well. Serve with cream, custard or brandy butter.

A very special mince pie, and nearly gone.
A rich, booze-laden beast of a pie. This is no ordinary mince pie. It is deep-filled, indulgent and made with real craft by @joshwhiteheadchef of @finer_pleasures.

We are down to the last few. Our mailing list heard about them yesterday, which is why they are moving quickly. If you want first sight of future specials, sign up.

Josh has been working on this recipe for three years. It is rooted in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 mince pie, where meat was once part of the mix. He has taken that idea and turned it on its head, using the clean, buttery fat from our native-breed cattle in place of suet.

The filling is dried fruit soaked since July in Armagnac, aged port, Madeira and homemade ginger wine. There are ceps cooked slowly in brown sugar syrup until they turn to toffee. And yes, a little Bovril. Trust Josh, it works.

Bake at 185°C until golden, let it sit for two minutes, then eat warm. A dusting of icing sugar finishes it well. Serve with cream, custard or brandy butter.

A very special mince pie, and nearly gone.
A rich, booze-laden beast of a pie. This is no ordinary mince pie. It is deep-filled, indulgent and made with real craft by @joshwhiteheadchef of @finer_pleasures. We are down to the last few. Our mailing list heard about them yesterday, which is why they are moving quickly. If you want first sight of future specials, sign up. Josh has been working on this recipe for three years. It is rooted in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 mince pie, where meat was once part of the mix. He has taken that idea and turned it on its head, using the clean, buttery fat from our native-breed cattle in place of suet. The filling is dried fruit soaked since July in Armagnac, aged port, Madeira and homemade ginger wine. There are ceps cooked slowly in brown sugar syrup until they turn to toffee. And yes, a little Bovril. Trust Josh, it works. Bake at 185°C until golden, let it sit for two minutes, then eat warm. A dusting of icing sugar finishes it well. Serve with cream, custard or brandy butter. A very special mince pie, and nearly gone.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/8
Highland cattle get photographed a lot. They are turned into cuddly toys. But beneath the coat is a hardy animal that can stand the worst of a Yorkshire winter. That is why Andy Lambert grazes them high on the Dales, on rough ground where few other breeds would thrive. They are the one of the few cattle that can turn this hard landscape into rich, delicious beef. It feeds our chefs and home cooks across the country. We are grateful for them, and it is always a pleasure to see them on the tops.
Highland cattle get photographed a lot. They are turned into cuddly toys. But beneath the coat is a hardy animal that can stand the worst of a Yorkshire winter. That is why Andy Lambert grazes them high on the Dales, on rough ground where few other breeds would thrive. They are the one of the few cattle that can turn this hard landscape into rich, delicious beef. It feeds our chefs and home cooks across the country. We are grateful for them, and it is always a pleasure to see them on the tops.
Highland cattle get photographed a lot. They are turned into cuddly toys. But beneath the coat is a hardy animal that can stand the worst of a Yorkshire winter. That is why Andy Lambert grazes them high on the Dales, on rough ground where few other breeds would thrive. They are the one of the few cattle that can turn this hard landscape into rich, delicious beef. It feeds our chefs and home cooks across the country. We are grateful for them, and it is always a pleasure to see them on the tops.
Highland cattle get photographed a lot. They are turned into cuddly toys. But beneath the coat is a hardy animal that can stand the worst of a Yorkshire winter. That is why Andy Lambert grazes them high on the Dales, on rough ground where few other breeds would thrive. They are the one of the few cattle that can turn this hard landscape into rich, delicious beef. It feeds our chefs and home cooks across the country. We are grateful for them, and it is always a pleasure to see them on the tops.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/8
A ragù alla bolognese with a few top tips from chef @grylos. Beef, pork, and a little surprise at the end for real depth. Slow cooked until rich, deep, and properly delicious. Find the full recipe on our journal and cook it slow this weekend. What’s your secret to a good bolognese? @grylos @tom_saunderson
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/8
We love yellow fat. Do you? This is an old Dexter. You do not see beef like this every day. When one comes in, we get a little excited.
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/8
One of the motivations for operating a whole carcass butchery model is access to the other bits – offal and ‘butchers cuts’. For us, they are just as important a part of the picture as the more famous, prime cuts. 
So, it gives us immense satisfaction that we now sell more of these delights then we ever have. For chefs understand that these cuts and organs offer something a little different. Yes, in terms of flavour and value but also, we think, in terms of creativity. A ribeye or a rack of lamb might inspire more classic garnishes, whereas an ox heart or a pig’s tongue allow the imaginations run a little freer. It takes skill and touch to cook these cuts well and the results can be extraordinary.
We’ll keep buying the whole carcasses, you guys keep cooking the offal and butcher’s cuts!
One of the motivations for operating a whole carcass butchery model is access to the other bits – offal and ‘butchers cuts’. For us, they are just as important a part of the picture as the more famous, prime cuts. 
So, it gives us immense satisfaction that we now sell more of these delights then we ever have. For chefs understand that these cuts and organs offer something a little different. Yes, in terms of flavour and value but also, we think, in terms of creativity. A ribeye or a rack of lamb might inspire more classic garnishes, whereas an ox heart or a pig’s tongue allow the imaginations run a little freer. It takes skill and touch to cook these cuts well and the results can be extraordinary.
We’ll keep buying the whole carcasses, you guys keep cooking the offal and butcher’s cuts!
One of the motivations for operating a whole carcass butchery model is access to the other bits – offal and ‘butchers cuts’. For us, they are just as important a part of the picture as the more famous, prime cuts. 
So, it gives us immense satisfaction that we now sell more of these delights then we ever have. For chefs understand that these cuts and organs offer something a little different. Yes, in terms of flavour and value but also, we think, in terms of creativity. A ribeye or a rack of lamb might inspire more classic garnishes, whereas an ox heart or a pig’s tongue allow the imaginations run a little freer. It takes skill and touch to cook these cuts well and the results can be extraordinary.
We’ll keep buying the whole carcasses, you guys keep cooking the offal and butcher’s cuts!
One of the motivations for operating a whole carcass butchery model is access to the other bits – offal and ‘butchers cuts’. For us, they are just as important a part of the picture as the more famous, prime cuts. So, it gives us immense satisfaction that we now sell more of these delights then we ever have. For chefs understand that these cuts and organs offer something a little different. Yes, in terms of flavour and value but also, we think, in terms of creativity. A ribeye or a rack of lamb might inspire more classic garnishes, whereas an ox heart or a pig’s tongue allow the imaginations run a little freer. It takes skill and touch to cook these cuts well and the results can be extraordinary. We’ll keep buying the whole carcasses, you guys keep cooking the offal and butcher’s cuts!
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/8
Small herds, native breeds, and wild game, all farmed and sourced with care, are what we’re about and what we care deeply for. The partridge, often called the hedge chicken, is one of the best introductions to game. Mild, tender, full of flavour, and truly sustainable. In fact, we should be eating more of it to help prevent wastage from wild-shot game. Here’s @grylos with an autumnal take on a classic: a partridge Caesar salad. It might just inspire you to give this delicious wild game a go.
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/8