If you’re wondering how long to grill thin chicken breasts, the answer is far from simple. There’s a lot of factors that affect grilling time and temperature, including the size and thickness of the chicken breast itself, as well as environmental variables like wind.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can get grilled thin chicken right every time. From prepping your ingredients to safely taking the meat off the oven-grill screen; we’ve got all the details on mastering perfectly cooked thin grilled chicken that will have friends coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
What is Thin Chicken Breast?
Thin chicken breasts are generally cut to about a 1/4-inch thick. These thinner cuts are ideal for quick cooking on the grill and have the benefit of being able to cook quickly without drying out. It takes far less time to cook thin chicken than it does thicker cuts, so they’re perfect if you’re short on time.
Thin Chicken Breast Nutrition Fact
A 3-ounce cooked portion of thin chicken breast contains about 140 calories, 27 grams of protein and 3 grams of fat. It is an excellent source of lean, high quality protein which makes it a great food choice for those who are looking to build muscle, lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle. It also provides essential amino acids that help support the body’s immune system, growth and development. Furthermore, chicken breast is low in saturated fat and has no cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy option as well!
In addition to its high protein content, thin chicken breast is also packed with other essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B6 and selenium. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout your body while Vitamin B6 helps produce new cells and aids in metabolism. Selenium is an antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage from free radicals.
Thin chicken breast is a great option when it comes to eating healthy, so make sure to include it in your diet on a regular basis! It’s easy to prepare and adds variety to any meal.
Benefits Of Grill Thin Chicken Breast
Grilled thin chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein and provides great flavor. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it a healthier choice than many other sources of protein. Plus, grilling chicken gives it a nice smoky flavor that you can’t get with other cooking methods.
The high-heat method of grilling helps to lock in the juices and create a tender texture. This makes grilled thin chicken breast much easier to digest than thicker cuts that need long cooking times to become tender. Because it cooks quickly on the grill, it’s easy to prepare for busy weeknights when time is limited!
Grilled thin chicken breast is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can season it with a variety of herbs and spices to create different flavors. It also pairs well with many sides, from rice and vegetables to salads and potatoes.
How Long to Grill Thin Chicken Breast
The exact grilling time will depend on your specific heat level, size of the chicken breast, and other variables like wind speed. Generally speaking a thin chicken breast will take 8 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat to cook through completely. If you need to speed things up, move up to high heat and reduce the cooking time to around 6 minutes.
It’s a good idea to use an internal thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through it should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. You’ll also want to look out for any signs that the meat has started to dry out, such as cracking or shrinking in size. If you notice any of these, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about five minutes before serving.
How long does it take thin Chicken Breasts to cook in the oven?
Thin chicken breasts generally take between 12-15 minutes to cook in the oven at 350°F. If you’re cooking frozen chicken, it will take a bit longer, closer to 20-25 minutes. Always make sure the internal temperature of your chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. You can also check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the breast; if there is no pink or red color visible inside then it should be fully cooked.
When baking thin chicken breasts, always place them on a tray with sides so that any fat released during cooking does not drip onto other surfaces and cause smoke or flare ups in the oven. Additionally, using a meat thermometer helps ensure that your chicken is cooked to the correct temperature for food safety.
How long does it take thin Chicken Breasts to cook in the pan?
Thin chicken breasts generally take between 4-6 minutes to cook in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re cooking frozen chicken, it will take a bit longer, closer to 6-8 minutes. Always make sure the internal temperature of your chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. You can also check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the breast; if there is no pink or red color visible inside then it should be fully cooked.
When pan frying thin chicken breasts, always use just enough oil or butter to lightly coat the bottom of the skillet and help prevent sticking. Additionally, using a meat thermometer helps ensure that your chicken is cooked to the correct temperature for food safety.
How to Grill Thin Chicken Breast
Grilling thin chicken breasts is a simple and delicious way to prepare healthy meals. Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat or 400°F. If you’re using an indoor electric grill, the temperature should be set to 375°F.
Lightly oil the grates of your grill with vegetable oil. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Place the thin chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Be sure to make sure that your chicken doesn’t dry out while cooking by brushing it with olive oil or basting it regularly with a marinade or sauce as it cooks. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Grilled thin chicken breasts make a great meal when served with sides like grilled vegetables, potatoes or salads.
To grill a delicious thin chicken breasts, you will need:)
– Thin chicken breasts
– Vegetable oil
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Herbs or spices (optional)
– Marinade or sauce (optional)
– Meat thermometer (recommended)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or 400°F. If you’re using an indoor electric grill, the temperature should be set to 375°F.
2. Lightly oil the grates of your grill with vegetable oil.
3. Place the thin chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. To prevent drying out, brush the chicken with olive oil or baste it regularly with a marinade or sauce as it cooks.
5. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
6. Serve your grilled thin chicken breasts with sides like grilled vegetables, potatoes or salads.
To cook delicious thin Chicken Breasts in oven:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Place the chicken on a baking tray and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you would like more flavor, add herbs or spices of choice at this time as well.
3. Bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. When done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest before serving.
Thin Chicken Breasts can be cooked in a variety of ways including pan frying, grilling and baking. All methods should be monitored closely to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to a safe temperature and does not dry out during cooking. Whichever way you choose to cook your chicken breasts, make sure to season them with salt and pepper for flavor and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness before serving.
Tips for Grilling Thin Chicken Breasts
Before grilling thin chicken breasts, always make sure they are thawed and patted dry with paper towels. This will help remove excess moisture which can lead to flare-ups on the grill. It’s also important to season your chicken breasts first a combination of spices like garlic, paprika, and oregano will help give the meat a flavorful crust as it grills.
Once you’ve seasoned the chicken, brush it with oil to create an extra layer of protection against drying out. This also helps keep the spices on the surface so they have time to caramelize during cooking. Make sure your grill grates are oiled so that there’s no sticking or tearing when you place the chicken on them.
When it comes to grilling thin chicken breasts, safety is key. Use long handled tongs or a spatula to move and turn over the chicken never use your fingers! When finished grilling, be sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help keep it juicy and tender as all the flavorful juices settle into the meat.
How To Prepare Thin Chicken Breast
Thin chicken breasts are a nutritious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked using a variety of methods. Before cooking, it’s important to season the chicken with salt and pepper for flavor. If you would like more flavor, add herbs or spices as well before cooking.
To pan fry thin chicken breasts, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Make sure to use just enough oil or butter to lightly coat the bottom of the skillet and help prevent sticking. Additionally, using a meat thermometer helps ensure that the chicken is cooked through and does not dry out during cooking.
When grilling thin chicken breasts, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or 400°F. If you’re using an indoor electric grill, the temperature should be set to 375°F. Lightly oil the grates of your grill with vegetable oil and place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be sure to brush the chicken with olive oil or baste regularly with a marinade or sauce as it cooks to prevent drying out.
Finally, oven baking is another option for cooking thin chicken breasts. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the chicken on a baking tray and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74 °C) is reached. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest before serving.
Thin Chicken Breasts can be enjoyed as part of a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches, wraps and tacos. They can also be served with sides like grilled vegetables, potatoes or salads for a complete meal. Whichever way you choose to cook your thin chicken breasts, make sure to monitor closely for doneness to ensure safety and prevent drying out during cooking.
How to Store Thin Chicken Breast
Thin Chicken Breasts should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. To freeze, place chicken breasts in a freezer bag or container and store for up to 4 months. When ready to cook, allow the chicken to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with your chosen method of preparation. Cooked thin Chicken Breasts can also be frozen and stored for up to 3 months.
Buy thin Chicken Breast from reputable sources, check expiration dates and store properly according to guidelines outlined above. Doing so will help guarantee safety and quality when preparing this delicious dish!
How to Reheat Thin Chicken Breast
When reheating thin Chicken Breasts, it’s important to do so safely and thoroughly. Use the microwave to reheat pre-cooked chicken for 1-2 minutes on high or until heated through. Alternatively, place the cooked chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil or butter and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through. If you would like to add flavor during reheating, brush the cooked chicken lightly with olive oil or your favorite marinade before cooking.
Reheated Thin Chicken Breasts should be served immediately after cooking and not left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. Doing so helps ensure food safety and quality when serving this delicious dish!
Common Mistakes To Avoid When to Grill Thin Chicken Breast
1. Not Preheating the Grill
2. Not Brushing/Basting with Olive Oil/Marinade to Prevent Drying Out
3.Not Checking Internal Temperature of Chicken Using a Meat Thermometer
4.Cooking on Too High Heat Resulting in Burning or Overcooking
5.Leaving Cooked Chicken at Room Temperature for Longer Than 2 Hours Before Refrigerating or Serving
Following these steps will help ensure your Thin Chicken Breasts turn out perfectly cooked each and every time! Enjoy this delicious dish today!
The bottom line
Now that you know how long to grill thin chicken breast? Thin chicken breasts are a versatile, lean cut of meat that can be prepared in many different ways including pan-frying, grilling or baking. Buy only from reputable sources, store properly and reheat safely to ensure food safety and quality when preparing this delicious dish! With the right technique, you can enjoy Thin Chicken Breasts with ease at home or on the go anytime.
William Lariviere is a chef and restaurateur with over 25 years of experience in the food industry. He is the owner and operator of Swartzsdeli.com, an online restaurant that specializes in gourmet sandwiches and salads, grill & smoke. He likes to share experience, food, recipes cooking knowledge as well as reviews about restaurant and kitchen products.
William’s goal is to provide his customers with healthy, delicious food that is also affordable and develop Swartzsdeli.com into a comprehensive information site specializing in cooking and cuisine to a new level to help reach a wide range of housewives and readers.