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How Do I Broil Chicken Breast? The Ultimate Guide for Juicy, Flavorful Results

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Having grown up in the South, I never thought twice about how my parents popping into our backyard to throw tandoori chicken on the grill was indeed a privilege of a suburban lifestyle. Only after sifting through galleries of grilled chicken recipes last year did I come to the rude awakening that it will take years, and a few serious financial adjustments, until my spouse and I are ready to become full-on back-porch-grilling-in-a-friendly-subdivision homeowners.

In an effort to keep my hopes of grilling at home alive, I got out my trusty cast-iron grill pan and tried to sear some steak. Within 5 minutes, our two-bedroom apartment was a smoky maze and the fire department had pulled up at our door. I left my hopes of grilling in my apartment in a tall pile with the rest of the inconvenient frivolities that come with renting in NYC. That is, until I came across our deputy food editor Hana Asbrink’s broiler chicken method.

Her too-good-to-be-true recipe promised charred, juicy chicken after 15 minutes in a broiler. Huh? My subconscious ran a montage of every food I’ve ever burned under an oven’s broiler. But I defrosted a pound of chicken anyway and gave Hana’s promise a chance. Now, “grilled” chicken is no longer out of reach; it’s just a quick marination and broiling session away. Here’s how you can grill perfectly charred chicken with your broiler.

Broiling chicken breast is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook up delicious, juicy poultry for dinner. When done right, broiled chicken emerges from the oven with a beautifully browned exterior and a moist, tender interior. Follow the steps below to learn how to broil boneless, skinless chicken breasts to perfection every time.

What You Need to Know About Broiling Chicken Breasts

Broiling relies on intense, direct heat from above to cook food quickly. Understanding some key tips will ensure broiled chicken breast success:

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the quickest cooking time Pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly

  • Elevate the chicken on a broiler pan or rack to promote air circulation. This allows the heat to surround the chicken.

  • Preheat the broiler for at least 5 minutes first Always broil with the oven door slightly ajar to prevent overheating.

  • Position the oven rack so the chicken sits 4-6 inches from the heating element Monitor it closely to prevent burning,

  • Brush chicken with oil before broiling. Oil promotes browning and keeps the lean chicken moist.

  • Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Chicken breasts are safe to eat at 165°F but best at 170°F.

  • Allow the chicken to rest before slicing for juicier results. The juices redistribute during the resting time.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Broiling Chicken Breast

Follow these simple steps for foolproof chicken breast every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Start with fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels.

  • If the breasts are thick, pound them with a meat mallet until about 1⁄2 inch thickness. This promotes even cooking.

  • Lightly coat both sides with olive oil. This helps the chicken brown.

2. Preheat the Broiler

  • Set oven to broil on high. Place oven rack 4-6 inches from heating element.

  • Preheat broiler for at least 5 minutes as oven heats up.

3. Season the Chicken

  • Season chicken breasts as desired. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika all work well.

  • You can also marinate chicken beforehand up to 24 hours for added flavor.

4. Broil the Chicken

  • Place chicken on broiler pan or baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

  • Broil for 6-8 minutes per side until browned and chicken reaches 165°F.

  • Use tongs to carefully flip chicken halfway through.

5. Allow Chicken to Rest

  • When chicken reaches 165°F, remove pan from oven.

  • Tent chicken loosely with foil and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

  • The resting time allows juices to redistribute for a juicier finished result.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Broiled Chicken Breasts

  • If breasts are large, slice them in half horizontally so they cook evenly.

  • Start on low broil setting to prevent burning then increase heat as needed.

  • Use a cooking thermometer to monitor temperature and prevent overcooking.

  • Add slices of lemon, lime, or orange for a burst of flavor.

  • Resist the urge to flip chicken too frequently during broiling.

  • Make extra chicken breast for use in salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more all week!

Common Broiled Chicken Breast Questions

Should I marinate chicken before broiling?

Yes, marinating 1-24 hours adds great flavor and moisture. Avoid sugary marinades which may burn.

What if my chicken breasts are thick?

Pound thick breasts to 1⁄2 inch thickness using a meat mallet for even cooking.

What temperature should chicken reach?

Chicken breasts are safe to eat at 165°F but best at 170°F for ideal texture.

How do I prevent chicken from drying out?

Pound to even thickness, brush with oil, and don’t overcook. Let rest before slicing.

Why is my broiled chicken tough?

Overcooking is the #1 culprit. Use a meat thermometer for perfect 170°F doneness.

Can I broil frozen chicken breasts?

Thaw chicken completely first. Frozen chicken takes too long to broil safely.

How do I broil chicken kabobs?

Thread chicken chunks on skewers and broil, flipping once halfway through until done.

Satisfying Broiled Chicken Breast Recipes to Try

Broiled chicken breasts are extremely versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

  • Chicken fajitas – Top broiled chicken with sautéed peppers and onions.

  • Chicken caesar salad – Slice broiled chicken over romaine lettuce, parmesan, and caesar dressing.

  • Chicken sandwiches – Place broiled chicken on rolls with desired toppings.

  • Chicken tacos – Warm tortillas, broiled chicken, pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro.

  • Chicken pasta – Toss broiled chicken with your favorite pasta, olive oil, veggies.

So try broiling chicken breast tonight for a quick dinner during the week! If you follow the above tips, you’ll always have juicy chicken. You can eat chicken all week long in salads, pastas, sandwiches, and more by adding different flavors.

how do i broil chicken breast

Marinate your chicken in yogurt

First, start with a yogurt-based marinade. Hana’s recipe, similar to that of tandoori chicken recipes, calls for a plain yogurt, which acts as a gentle meat tenderizer that renders a ridiculously moist interior while the dairy’s natural sugars result in a crisp, almost caramelized exterior on the chicken.

For 1½ to 2 lb. ½ cup of plain or Greek yogurt. It’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you can also use chicken breasts or wings. From here, choose your own marinade adventure. You can add chili pastes like gochujang, sambal oelek, or red curry paste, or you can keep it simple with garlic grating and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Set up your oven

Take the chicken out of the fridge for at least 20 minutes after marinating for at least an hour and up to 24 hours. This will help it warm up a bit. Place your oven rack in the top third of the oven and then preheat it to the lowest broil setting. Line a large sheet pan with foil from edge to edge—this will allow for easy cleanup later! Place a wire rack on top of your lined sheet pan and spray with nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off before placing the chicken on your oiled wire rack.

How to Broil Chicken – Foundation 513 | food

FAQ

How long should you broil chicken breast?

Broil chicken breasts for a total of 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Start by broiling skin-side up for 6-8 minutes, then flip and broil for another 6-8 minutes.

Do I need to flip chicken when broiling?

Turn the poultry over when brown on one side (usually after half of the total broiling time). Chicken halves and meaty pieces should be turned after 15 minutes. Jan 13, 2025.

Do I cook chicken on bake or broil?

Broiling focuses all of the heat on the surface of the food. If you cook a thicker piece of meat, like a chicken breast, the outside might get brown before the inside is fully cooked. When cooking thicker cuts of meat or a dense casserole like lasagna, we will first opt for baking.

How to broil chicken without burning?

How do you boil chicken breast properly and tenderly?wash raw chicken breasts with water. add it into a pot and pour water and salt. turn on the electric stove with the highest heat. Once It starts to boil, cook on medium-low. wait for 15 to 20 minutes.

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