Nothing beats a dinner where flavorful grilled chicken breast is presented as part of the main course. Grilling chicken breasts can cause some frustration if one doesn't know how to grill them properly. Chicken breasts naturally get very dry when cooking them, especially when grilling them. By following a few simple techniques, you can ensure not only that your chicken breasts stay juicy but also flavorful and bitter free.
To grill tasty chicken, one should first marinate the breasts in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before placing them on the grill. They can be marinaded in thinned BBQ sauce (half sauce, half water) or in your own favorite marinade. They should also be covered as they marinade, so that the flavor gets within the meat well.
When you're ready to grill, you should prepare your grill first by placing a pyramid of coals on each side of your grill. Light the coals, and as soon as the flames die out (while the grill is still very hot) and sear the chicken breasts until you have a crisp, brown skin on both sides of the breasts. This skin will help hold the natural juices in.
Once you have seared the chicken breasts, place the breasts on a platter and remove some of the coals (using tongs) to help cool your grill quickly. Arrange the remaining coals on each side of your grill, and place an aluminum pan in the center of your grill. Fill the pan with 1 inch of water. This is your "drip pan". It prevents grease from dripping onto your coals (which can result in a bitter flavor) and also helps keep your meat hydrated well so that it doesn't dry out.
Place your chicken back on the grill, over the drip pan, and close the lid. Grill your breasts slowly, until done. If your fire dies down too much to where it's too cold to cook, then add a few more briquettes of coal on each side of your grill. Normally chicken breasts cook faster than most other types of meat, so one shouldn't have to add extra briquettes.
After about 10 minutes of slow cooking, turn your breasts (using tongs, not a fork) and cook the other side slowly. Once it looks like your chicken breasts are done, use a meat thermometer to verify that they are fully cooked.
If you wish to BBQ your chicken breasts, then add your BBQ sauce in the final 10 to 15 minutes of grilling time. You don't want to add it too soon or it will create a bitter, burnt skin that is unpleasant to eat.
Once your chicken is done, enjoy them within 10 minutes of removing them from the grill. If you wait much longer then this, then they will still dry out a bit. If you can't eat them within 10 minutes, then place them in a baking dish in your oven. Set your oven temp to 150 degrees, and place a pan of water on the lower rack. This will help keep your chicken breasts juicy and warm until time to serve them.
About this Author
Visit TrueBarbeque.com to learn how to make your own Mouth Watering Delicious Barbeque Rubs, Sauces and Marinades. You'll even find helpful information on the types of wood that you can use to add even more flavor to your grilled meats.
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