How to grill chicken

Chicken is a versatile option for dishes all year round, from summer to winter. It can be prepared in numerous ways to truly enhance its flavours.

Grilling is a favourite way to cook chicken for barbecues, hearty salads and other healthy chicken recipes. It is perfect to ensure chicken stays juicy with a delightful charred and smoky taste.

Prepping chicken before grilling

To maximise the flavour of your chicken before grilling, you can follow these simple steps.

Flattening chicken

Whether you’re grilling chicken breast or thigh, a good way to prepare is by flattening the meat. This makes it easier to grill the chicken evenly and efficiently, ensuring consistent thickness across the entire piece.

Cover the piece of chicken with cling film, and use a meat cleaver or a rolling pin to pummel the chicken and evenly distribute the meat. If you’re working with a chicken thigh, open it out or butterfly the chicken first before doing so.

Seasoning chicken

Once flattened, it’s time to add flavour to season the piece of chicken. You can do this by brushing the chicken with olive oil and covering it with sauces or BBQ seasoning. You can also soak it in acidic or citrus flavours, like lemon juice. Alternatively, simply coat chicken in your favourite spices, such as paprika or Cajun. 

How long to grill chicken

In general, the grilling time for chicken should be around 10-15 minutes, varying slightly depending on the specific cut being used.

Start by preheating your griddle pan for 10 minutes to ensure it’s at high heat. Then add a teaspoon of oil to each side of the chicken and sprinkle with salt— if this has not already been done at the seasoning stage. 

How long to grill chicken breast

To grill a juicy chicken breast, cook the chicken on each side for approximately 4-5 minutes. The temperature should reach 75°C for 30 seconds and 70°C for two minutes at the core of the meat. To ensure safe cooking of the meat, use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor and control the temperatures.

How long to grill chicken thigh

Chicken thighs require a slightly longer cooking time. Grill chicken thighs for approximately 6-8 minutes on both sides to ensure that the temperature reaches 75°C for 30 seconds and 70°C for two minutes at the core of the meat. Visually, both sides should have a perfectly chargrilled effect.

Once the temperature has been reached, take the chicken off the grill and allow it to rest while covered for five minutes before serving.

Grilled chicken recipes

If you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to grilled chicken recipes, have a look through the HelloFresh menu.

Mexican-Spiced Grilled Chicken Gnocchi & Capsicum

This grilled chicken recipe combines the smoky char of grilled chicken with pillowy potato gnocchi and zesty Mexican spices. Meet your new go-to comfort food.

Grilled Sesame Chicken Poke Rice Bowl

A chicken poke recipe with the perfect combination of nutrition, tasty flavours and delightful presentation. Served with a crispy slaw and zingy pickled ginger for a flavour kick!

Greek-Style Chargrilled Chicken

A quick, easy and delicious herby chargrilled chicken, paired perfectly with grilled haloumi, garlicky couscous, salad and flatbreads.Explore the recipe hub for delicious grilled chicken recipes and try them for yourself with your first HelloFresh delivery.