How-To Barbecue, How-To Guides

How to bbq chicken breasts

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A restaurant favourite thanks to their fantastic depth of flavour, read on to discover the best way to bbq Swaledale’s free-range and herb-fed chicken breasts for juicy, grilled chicken every time.

How long to bbq chicken breasts

Chicken breasts are lean and tender, which means they can easily turn out dry if you don’t keep a watchful eye on them. Allow 10-12 minutes of cooking time, but as always, we recommend you’re guided by temperature using a meat thermometer. In this case, aim for an internal temperature of 75℃ for your chicken breasts.

How to cook chicken breasts on the bbq

  1. If you’re using a marinade, this needs to be applied at least a few hours prior to cooking, but overnight is best as this allows the flavours to penetrate.
  2. Pat dry to remove any excess moisture from the skin, and allow your chicken breasts to come to room temperature.
  3. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub all over. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. You should also add any spices at this point – paprika, parsley, ginger, and basil are all popular choices for chicken breasts.
  4. The temperature of the bbq should be hot but not too fierce, as this will simply burn the outside before the middle is close to being cooked. Place the breast skin side down on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes. If the heat seems too fierce at any point, move the breast to a cooler part of the grill.
  5. Flip and cook on the other side for the same amount of time. You want nice grill marks and char, but most importantly, an internal temperature of 75℃.
  6. Once the breasts are cooked to your liking, remove them from the bbq, and place them on a warm plate to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Top tips

  • If you don’t have a thermometer, insert a skewer into the thickest part and check the juices are running clear.
  • For a quicker cook on a hotter grill, try slicing the breasts into smaller pieces. If you lay the breast flat on a chopping board, run a sharp knife parallel to the board and cut the breast into three thinner slices. Cook these over the hottest part of the bbq for quick chargrilled chicken — perfect for a wrap or salad.

Chicken breast bbq recipes

Chicken breasts smothered in a tangy, sticky bbq sauce can’t fail at a barbecue. About a minute before your chicken is done, brush the breasts with bbq sauce.

If you need something to tickle spicier palates, you can’t go wrong with Cajun Chicken. Spiked with zesty Cajun spices, try slicing and tossing them into your Caesar salad for extra colour, pzazz, and texture.

Shop the ingredients

For 15 years George worked in some of London’s most loved restaurants, including Padella and Primeur, and had a 5-year stint as Head Chef at the Garden Museum Café. George earned rave reviews for his simple, thoughtful cookery, his dishes were firmly rooted in the classics, and always paid homage to the produce. In 2021 George realised a long-held ambition and released his first cookbook entitled, A Year In The Kitchen. It celebrates the annual cookery cycle, taking readers on a journey through the British seasons, showcasing native produce, and inspiring year round creativity. In 2022 George left London behind, and moved back home to Yorkshire. His passion for seasonal cookery and reverence of quality British ingredients proved that for George, home is where the heart is. Like his food, George is led by the seasons, he’s open to new opportunities, and always following his heart.