How Long to Grill Butterfly Chicken Breast (So It’s Juicy and Perfectly Cooked!)

How Long to Grill Butterfly Chicken Breast?

Grilled chicken breast is a summertime staple, but it can be tricky to get it cooked perfectly. If you overcook it, the chicken will be dry and tough. But if you undercook it, it will be juicy but unsafe to eat.

The best way to ensure that your chicken breast is cooked perfectly is to butterfly it before grilling. Butterflying is a technique that involves cutting the chicken breast in half horizontally, so that it opens up like a book. This allows the chicken to cook more evenly and quickly, and it also helps to keep the chicken moist.

To butterfly a chicken breast, you will need a sharp knife. Start by laying the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Then, use the knife to cut along the center of the breast, starting at the thickest part and working your way to the thin end. Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken, or you will end up with two separate pieces of chicken.

Once you have butterflyed the chicken breast, you can season it with your favorite spices and grill it according to your preferred method. For a juicy and flavorful grilled chicken breast, cook it over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

With a little bit of care, you can easily grill the perfect butterfly chicken breast every time. So fire up the grill and get cooking!

Time Temperature Notes
4-5 minutes per side Medium-high heat (400-450 degrees F) Flip chicken halfway through cooking.
6-7 minutes per side High heat (450-500 degrees F) Flip chicken halfway through cooking.
8-10 minutes per side Very high heat (500-550 degrees F) Flip chicken halfway through cooking.

Factors Affecting Grilling Time

The grilling time for butterfly chicken breast will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

  • Size and thickness of the chicken breast: The larger and thicker the chicken breast, the longer it will take to cook. A general rule of thumb is to cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 8-10 minutes per side for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts.
  • Temperature of the grill: The hotter the grill, the faster the chicken will cook. For a medium-rare cook, grill the chicken breasts over medium heat (about 375 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-7 minutes per side. For a well-done cook, grill the chicken breasts over high heat (about 450 degrees Fahrenheit) for 8-10 minutes per side.
  • Type of grill: The type of grill you use will also affect the grilling time. Gas grills heat up more quickly than charcoal grills, so chicken breasts will cook faster on a gas grill.
  • Marinade or seasonings: Marinating or seasoning the chicken breasts before grilling will add flavor and moisture, but it will also increase the grilling time. Marinated chicken breasts will typically take longer to cook than unmarinated chicken breasts.
  • Whether the chicken is bone-in or boneless: Bone-in chicken breasts will take longer to cook than boneless chicken breasts. This is because the bones act as a heat conductor, helping to cook the chicken from the inside out.

How to Grill Butterfly Chicken Breast

Grilling butterfly chicken breast is a simple and delicious way to cook chicken. Here are the steps involved:

1. Prepare the chicken breasts. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them horizontally through the center, so that they open up like a book.
2. Marinate or season the chicken breasts. If you want to add flavor to the chicken breasts, you can marinate them in a marinade of your choice. Alternatively, you can simply season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like.
3. Grill the chicken breasts. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375 degrees Fahrenheit). Then, brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Rest the chicken breasts. After grilling the chicken breasts, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become more tender.

Grilling butterfly chicken breast is a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. By following these steps, you can make perfectly grilled chicken breasts every time.

Here are some additional tips for grilling chicken breasts:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken breasts. Overcooked chicken breasts will be dry and tough.
  • Serve the chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

How Long To Grill Butterfly Chicken Breast?

Grilling butterfly chicken breast is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy meal. Butterflying the chicken breast makes it cook more evenly and quickly, and it also helps to keep the meat moist.

The cooking time for butterfly chicken breast will vary depending on the thickness of the breast, the temperature of your grill, and your personal preference for doneness. However, a general rule of thumb is to grill butterfly chicken breast for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are a few tips for grilling butterfly chicken breast:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Marinate the chicken in a flavorful liquid before grilling. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
  • Baste the chicken with oil or butter while grilling. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.

Common Mistakes When Grilling Butterfly Chicken Breast

When grilling butterfly chicken breast, it is important to avoid making these common mistakes:

  • Overcooking: Butterfly chicken breast is a thin cut of meat, so it is important to avoid overcooking it. Overcooked chicken breast will be dry and tough.
  • Undercooking: Undercooked chicken breast is unsafe to eat. Make sure to cook the chicken breast until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Drying out the chicken: Butterfly chicken breast can dry out quickly if it is not cooked properly. To prevent the chicken from drying out, marinate it in a flavorful liquid before grilling, baste it with oil or butter while grilling, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Grilling Butterfly Chicken Breast

Here are a few tips for grilling butterfly chicken breast:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Marinate the chicken in a flavorful liquid before grilling. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
  • Baste the chicken with oil or butter while grilling. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to be more tender.

Grilling butterfly chicken breast is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy meal. By following these tips, you can avoid making common mistakes and ensure that your chicken breast is cooked perfectly.

How long do you grill butterfly chicken breast?

Butterfly chicken breasts cook quickly, so it’s important to not overcook them. The ideal cooking time for butterfly chicken breasts is 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I grill butterfly chicken breast?

The ideal grilling temperature for butterfly chicken breasts is 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature.

What is the best way to grill butterfly chicken breast?

There are a few different ways to grill butterfly chicken breasts, but the most common method is to grill them directly over the heat source. To do this, preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and brush the chicken breasts with oil. Then, place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I grill butterfly chicken breast on a gas grill?

Yes, you can grill butterfly chicken breasts on a gas grill. Simply preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and brush the chicken breasts with oil. Then, place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I grill butterfly chicken breast on a charcoal grill?

Yes, you can grill butterfly chicken breasts on a charcoal grill. Simply preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit and brush the chicken breasts with oil. Then, place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are some tips for grilling butterfly chicken breast?

Here are a few tips for grilling butterfly chicken breast:

  • Preheat your grill to the correct temperature. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature.
  • Brush the chicken breasts with oil. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the grill and will also help to create a delicious, crispy crust.
  • Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts.
  • Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and will help to keep the chicken moist.

What are some common mistakes people make when grilling butterfly chicken breast?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling butterfly chicken breast:

  • Not preheating the grill to the correct temperature. This can result in uneven cooking and the chicken breasts may not reach the desired internal temperature.
  • Not brushing the chicken breasts with oil. This can cause the chicken breasts to stick to the grill and will also prevent them from developing a delicious, crispy crust.
  • Overcooking the chicken breasts. The ideal cooking time for butterfly chicken breasts is 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooking the chicken breasts can result in them being dry and tough.
  • Not letting the chicken breasts rest before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and will help to keep the chicken moist.

    the ideal cooking time for a butterfly chicken breast is between 6 and 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken before serving.

When grilling butterfly chicken breasts, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure to preheat your grill to medium heat before cooking. Second, brush the chicken breasts with oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill. Third, cook the chicken breasts for the specified amount of time, flipping them halfway through cooking. Finally, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

By following these tips, you can easily grill juicy and flavorful butterfly chicken breasts at home.

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.