How To Grill Bone in Chicken Breast (4 Simple Steps)

Grilling bone in chicken breast is a great way to get delicious and succulent flavors that are bursting out of your backyard barbecue. With the right technique, you can create an amazing flavorsome dish that will be savored by everyone on your outdoor feast.

From prepping the perfect marinade or dry rub to cooking over an open flame, these tips will help guide you toward the tastiest grilled bone in chicken breast imaginable. Keep reading for essential steps on how to grill boneless skinless chicken breasts like a pro!

What is bone in Chicken Breast ?

Bone in chicken breast refers to a cut of chicken which consists of the bone still intact and attached to the muscle. This type of cut is considered healthier than boneless, skinless chicken breasts due to the bone providing additional flavor and moisture. It can be cooked in a variety of ways such as baking, grilling, roasting or pan-frying.

The bone also helps keep moisture in the chicken while cooking and adds depth of flavor to the finished dish. When purchasing bone-in chicken breasts, make sure they are moist and that the bones are not cracked or broken.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts require less time to cook as there is no need to remove the bones before serving. However, bakers should be aware that these cuts will tend be drier than those with bones attached due to lack of fat and additional flavorful juices from the bone.

Benefits of grill bone in Chicken Breast:

1. Includes extra flavor from the bone and adds moisture to the meat.

2. Easier to control cooking temperature when grilling bone-in chicken.

3. Bones act as an insulator, preventing overcooking and drying out of the meat.

4. Juices that are released during cooking can be utilized for sauces or gravies.

5. Retains more nutrients than boneless, skinless cuts due to longer cooking time required for bones to cook through completely.

Overall, grilling bone in chicken breast is a healthier choice due to its additional flavor and moisture content but requires a bit more effort in terms of preparation and clean up after serving your meal. Grillers should take advantage of the added flavor and moisture that comes with bone in chicken breasts to create healthier and delicious meals for their friends and family.

How To Prepare the bone in Chicken Breasts for the Grill:

1. Start by removing any extra fat and skin from the bone-in chicken breasts to help reduce flareups while cooking.

2. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels before seasoning them as desired.

3. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking or burning.

4. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, flipping once in between, until a thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast registers 165°F or higher indicating that it is fully cooked through.

5. Allow the chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving so the juices can redistribute throughout.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Grilling bone in chicken breasts is a great way to add flavor, moisture and nutrients to your meal without sacrificing taste or texture. With the right preparation and technique you can create flavorful dishes that are sure to impress family and friends alike.

How to grill bone in Chicken Breast

Preparing a Marinade or Dry Rub:

The perfect marinade or dry rub is key to creating succulent flavors. Marinating can tenderize the meat while adding flavor; however, if you’re short on time, using multiple spices instead of a marinade will still add great flavor and texture to your dish. Popular herbs and spices that go well with grilled chicken include garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, cumin, chili powder and black pepper.

Grilling Over an Open Flame:

Once your meat is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to get grilling! When cooking bone in chicken breasts on the grill, be sure to keep them over direct heat for even cooking. You can move them around or rotate periodically to ensure that all sides are getting cooked properly. For best results, cook at a moderate temperature of 350°F and use tongs to turn the chicken as you don’t want to pierce the skin and let out any juices.

Checking for Doneness:

The key to a perfectly cooked piece of chicken is checking for doneness. The internal temperature should read between 165°F to 170°F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, you can also check by cutting into the chicken breast, making sure there is no pink in the middle.

Letting It Rest:

Once your grilled bone in chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow time for the juices to redistribute and create even more flavor!

How long to grill bone in Chicken Breast?

When grilling bone in chicken breast, the cook time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Generally they should be cooked for 8-10 minutes per side with a preheated grill at medium heat (around 300-350°F). A meat thermometer can help ensure your chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher before serving. Allowing the breasts to rest for 5 minutes prior to slicing also helps retain moisture and flavor throughout the entire dish.

As you can see, grilling bone in chicken breast can provide great flavor, moisture and nutrients without having to use processed boneless, skinless cuts. With a bit of preparation and correct cooking techniques, it’s easy to create delicious and healthier dishes that will impress your family and friends.

How To Know If bone in Chicken Breast Is Done ?

The best way to ensure your bone in chicken breast is cooked through and safe to eat is by using a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast registers at 165°F or higher, it’s ready to be served.

If there are any juices that run out when you insert the thermometer, then the chicken should still be cooked for an additional few minutes until juices run clear. Allowing the breasts to rest for 5 minutes also helps redistribute moisture throughout and ensures that all parts of the dish retain their optimal flavor and texture.

Once you have mastered grilling bone-in chicken breasts, you can use them as a base for many other dishes like salads, sandwiches, tacos and more!

What to Serve with bone in Chicken Breast ?

Grilled bone in chicken breasts can be served with a variety of side dishes. Roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, corn and peppers make for a delicious accompaniment to the juicy and flavorful chicken.

You can also serve it with a variety of cooked grains like quinoa or couscous topped with colorful fruits and herbs to create beautiful and nutritious meals. For those looking for more indulgent options, creamy mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese or garlic butter noodles are all great choices that go well with grilled bone-in chicken breasts.

Finally, don’t forget about classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad which are always welcome at any outdoor grill event!

Common Mistakes To Avoid When to grill bone in Chicken Breast

1. Not preheating the grill properly – Preheating your grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F) is essential for evenly and quickly cooking your chicken breasts.

2. Not oiling the grates – Oiling the grates helps prevent sticking, ensuring that your breasts don’t burn or get stuck to the surface of your grill.

3. Overcooking or undercooking – Using a thermometer ensures that you know when the internal temperature of thickest part of breast registers at 165°F or higher indicating that it is fully cooked through.

4. Not allowing it to rest after cooking – Allowing a few minutes for the chicken to rest before slicing will help ensure even doneness and retain moisture throughout.

Some grill bone in Chicken Breast Recipes:

1. Grilled Spicy Lime Chicken Breasts: This flavorful dish combines the spiciness of chili powder and cayenne with the brightness of lime for a tasty meal.

2. Grilled Balsamic Mustard Chicken Breasts: The sweet-tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar, mixed with the sharpness of Dijon mustard creates an outstanding flavor combination that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken breasts.

3. Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts: A sweet and savory marinade made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce gives these chicken breasts an unforgettable flavor!

4. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Breasts: Marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, these chicken breasts are juicy and full of flavor.

5. Grilled BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts: Wrap your grilled chicken breasts in bacon and top with a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce for a finger-licking good meal.

6. Grilled Herb Citrus Chicken Breasts: This delicious recipe combines the savory flavors of herbs with the zesty brightness of citrus for an amazing dish!

7. Grilled Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts: A crunchy coating made from breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs brings out the juiciness of grilled chicken breasts.

8. Grilled Orange Ginger Chicken Breasts: The combination of orange juice, grated ginger, and garlic creates a unique flavor to your grilled chicken breasts.

9. Grilled Buffalo Chicken Breasts: Spice up your dinner with these zesty grilled chicken breasts! They’re smothered in hot sauce and butter for an unforgettable meal.

10. Grilled Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Breasts: Let the yogurt-based marinade give your grilled chicken breasts a tangy kick of flavor!

FAQs:

Q: Is it safe to eat bone in chicken breasts?

A: Yes, it is safe to eat bone-in chicken breasts when cooked through properly. Always make sure the internal temperature of the thickest part registers at 165°F or higher using a meat thermometer before serving.

Q: How do I keep grilled bone in chicken breast moist?

A: Allowing your chicken breasts to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps retain moisture throughout and ensure even doneness. Additionally, marinating your chicken prior to grilling can help add extra flavor and moisture as well.

Q: Can I freeze grilled bone in chicken breast?

A: Yes, you can freeze grilled bone-in chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing and be sure to properly wrap it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q: How long does grilled bone in chicken breast last?

A: Grilled bone-in chicken breasts will last for 3-4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Reheat within 1-2 days of cooking for best results.

Q: How to cook bone-in chicken breast on charcoal grill?

A: Cooking bone-in chicken breasts on a charcoal grill is easy. Start by preheating your grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F). Then, oil the grates and place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook each side for about 8 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking time. Use a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to make sure that it has reached an internal temperature of 165℉ or higher before serving. Once cooked through, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and enjoy!

Q: How do you cook a bone-in chicken breast on a Weber grill?

A: Cooking bone-in chicken breasts on a Weber grill is easy. First, preheat the grill to medium heat (around 300-350°F). Place your oiled chicken breasts directly onto the grates and cook for about 8 minutes per side, flipping once halfway through cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature of the thickest part registers at 165℉ or higher with a thermometer before serving. After it’s cooked through, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and enjoying!

Q: How do you cook a bone-in chicken breast in an oven?

A: To cook bone-in chicken breasts in an oven, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place your oiled chicken breasts into an oven-safe dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part registers at 165℉ or higher with a thermometer. Once cooked through, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and enjoy!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to grill bone in chicken breast, it’s time to fire up the grill and get cooking! Grilling is a great way to cook chicken because it gives the meat a delicious smoky flavor.

The key to grilling bone in chicken breasts is understanding the proper preparation, cooking techniques, and resting times. With a bit of practice and patience, you can create flavorful dishes that are sure to impress family and friends alike.

From salads and sandwiches to tacos and more, there’s no shortage of delicious meals that can be created with this versatile protein. And by taking the time to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked while avoiding common mistakes, you’ll end up with juicy and tender chicken every single time.