How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Breast: The Quick Answer

Grill boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1/2 inch thick) for 4-5 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat (≈ 400-425 °F). Flip once, close the lid, and pull the meat when an instant-read thermometer hits 160 °F; tent 5 minutes to coast up to 165 °F for safe, juicy results.

I’ve tested countless rounds of grilled boneless chicken breasts on a gas grill and timed each one to learn general times and temps depending on thickness and grill temperature. But for best results, always use a meat thermometer to cook the chicken to 165°F.

sliced and grilled chicken breast on a plate

Want to learn how long it takes to make more of your favorite proteins? Learn how long to grill pork tenderloin, how long to cook burgers on the grill, how long to grill pork chops, and how long to bake chicken wings.

And if you’re turning on the oven, I’ve got details on how long to bake chicken breast at 425!

Time and Temperature Cheat Sheet

Breast ThicknessGrill TempTimer Per SideTotal Grill TimePull Temp
1/2-inch pounded thin (my preference)400-425°F (medium-high)4-5 min8-10 min160°F
3/4-inch (average grocery cut)400-425°F (medium-high)6-8 min12-16 min160°F
1inch+ (thicker grocery cut)400-425°F (medium-high)8-9 min16-18 min160°F
Butterflied halves (or cutlets)400-425°F (medium-high)3-4 min6-8 min160°F

Why Grill Temperature Beats Time

  • USDA safe temp: chicken = 165 °F (74 °C).
  • Carryover cooking: pulling at 160 °F and resting 5 minutes lets juices redistribute and temp coast to 165 °F without drying out.
  • Thermometer > guessing: even a $15 probe prevents rubbery chicken. But this is my favorite meat thermometer!

Juicy Every Time Prep Tips

  • Start with boneless, skinless breasts – they cook quickly and stay moister than bone-in cuts.
  • Pound or butterfly: even thickness = even cooking.
  • Give them a flavor bath (optional but magic) 2 Tbsp kosher salt + 2 cups water, 30 minutes. Here are the 6 best chicken marinades or follow the marinade in the recipe card!
  • Preheat to 400–425°F and oil the grates for an instant sear and no sticking.
  • Grill, flip once: lid closed keeps heat steady.
  • Watch the temp, not the clock – pull at 160°F, then rest 5 minutes to coast to 165°F.
  • Let it rest before slicing; those five minutes keep the juices where they belong—inside the meat.

Looking for more grilled chicken? Try honey mustard chicken thighs, grilled harissa chicken, or cilantro lime chicken next.

chicken breast on the grill with perfect grill marks

How to Grill Boneless Chicken Breast

chicken breast in a balsamic marinade
  1. Pound + marinate: Pound breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. Marinate for at least 30 min.
boneless chicken breasts on a gas grill.
  1. Grill: Clean and oil grill grates. Preheat grill to 400-425°F. Grill until internal temp reaches 160°F (4-5 min per side).
four boneless skinless grilled chicken breast on a plate
  1. Rest: Transfer to plate, tent loosely with foil for 5 min.

Common Questions

Why is my chicken dry even when I follow the times?

Probably overcooked—use a thermometer and pull at 160 °F, not 170 °F.

Can I grill from frozen?

I don’t recommend it—Thaw overnight for best texture.

Does thickness matter more than weight?

Yes. Grill time is driven by thickness, not ounces. Pound thicker breasts or finish thicker cuts over indirect heat.

Gas vs. charcoal—any difference?

Charcoal’s radiant heat can sear faster; drop grill temps by ~25 °F or raise the grate 1 notch if burning.

Best way to reheat grilled chicken?

Brush with oil and warm in a 350 °F oven for ~15 min until hot, or slice it cold over salads.

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Juicy Grilled Boneless Chicken Breasts

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Quick balsamic-maple marinade + even thickness = perfectly juicy grilled boneless chicken breasts every time. Grill a 1/2-inch thick piece of chicken for 4–5 min per side at 400–425°F, pull at 160°F (rest to 165°F)—done!

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Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (4-6 pieces)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Pound and trim (5 min): Pound breasts to 1/2-inch thickness; or slice large pieces in half to create cutlets.
    1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Marinate (30 min): Whisk remaining ingredients in a bowl or zip bag then add chicken and turn to coat. Chill for 30 min (up to 24 hours).
    ¼ cup olive oil, ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Grill (4-5 min per side): Clean and oil the grates well. Preheat the grill to 400–425°F (medium-high). Shake excess marinade off chicken and place the chicken smooth side down. Grill with the lid closed until and instant-read thermometer reads 160°F, 4–5 minutes per side (9–10 min total).
  • Rest (5 min): Transfer to plate, tent loosely with foil. Temperature will rise to 165 °F for safe, juicy meat. Slice & serve.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Internal temp beats a timer: always verify 160 °F before resting.
Other grills: Charcoal or pellet grills may cook 20 % faster; start checking temp at 7 min total.
Make-ahead: chicken can marinate overnight; discard marinade after use.
Marinades: try another one of my favorite 6 chicken marinades.

Equipment

  • Gas Grill (See notes for other grills)

Nutrition

Serving: 4ounces of chicken | Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.8g | Protein: 25.7g | Fat: 7.7g | Cholesterol: 82.7mg | Sodium: 327.3mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 6.2g | Vitamin A: 30.2IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Master More Grilled Recipes

Do you love beef or pork? Here’s how long to grill pork tenderloin and how long to grill pork chops. Then learn how to grill ribeye at the best temperature to grill steaks. And let’s not forget our tips on how long to grill a hamburger for a juicy burger every time.

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