The brisket had been sitting in the fridge overnight, and now the family was gathering in the backyard for a barbecue. As the Pit Boss Pellet Grill fired up, the anticipation for perfectly cooked chicken was palpable. Cooking chicken on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill is a delicious way to enjoy tender, juicy meat with a smoky flavor that is hard to resist. If you’re looking to master the art of cooking chicken on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill, you’ve come to the right place.
Cooking delicious moist chicken breast on a pellet grill may seem daunting to backyard cooks. But with some simple techniques you can make perfect chicken breast on your Pit Boss every time.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know to use your Pit Boss pellet grill to cook delicious chicken breast.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken on a Pellet Grill
Pellet grills like the Pit Boss have some major advantages when cooking chicken breast:
- Infuses chicken with rich, smoky wood-fired flavor
- Allows cooking with precise temperature control
- Renders skin ultra-crispy
- Keeps meat incredibly juicy and tender
- Imparts far superior flavor than gas or charcoal grills
Smoking chicken on a pellet grill develops that quintessential barbecue taste that propane and charcoal just can’t replicate. The flavors from real hardwood pellets permeate the meat, taking your chicken to new heights of finger-licking goodness.
Picking the Right Chicken Breasts
To achieve the best results on your Pit Boss, start with quality chicken Here’s what to look for
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Easier to cook evenly and absorb smoke flavor
- Uniform thickness – Helps breasts cook at the same rate
- 1 to 1.5 lbs each – Ideal size for even cooking
- Fresh, no tears or blemishes – Indicates better quality
Avoid using frozen chicken, as it leads to uneven cooking. Always thaw breasts in the fridge before cooking.
Seasoning Your Chicken Breasts
A simple seasoning blend does wonders for chicken. Try these easy options:
- Basic rub – Salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder
- Barbecue rub – Brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, paprika
- Mediterranean rub – Oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest
- Caribbean jerk rub – Brown sugar, thyme, allspice, clove, cayenne
You can also marinate breasts for added moisture and flavor. Try marinades like lemon-herb, bourbon barbecue, teriyaki, Mediterranean, etc.
Preparing the Pellet Grill
Proper setup is key for perfectly cooked chicken breast:
- Preheat to 375°F – Allows meat to sear and smoke evenly
- Use a 2-zone fire – Sear over direct heat, then finish over indirect heat
- Light smoke – Enhances flavor without oversmoking
Maintaining even temperature and airflow is crucial. Position breasts away from direct heat once browned.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Follow these simple steps for flawless chicken breast every time:
- Coat breasts with olive oil and season all over
- Sear skin-side down over direct heat for 5-7 minutes
- Flip and sear second side for 3-5 minutes more
- Move breasts to indirect heat, season again if desired
- Cook until breasts reach 165°F internal temperature, about 15-25 minutes
- Remove from grill and tent with foil to rest 5 minutes
The two-stage searing and smoking method delivers ideal caramelized exterior and tender, juicy meat.
Handy Pellet Grill Tips
Keep these tips in mind for getting the most out of your Pit Boss:
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness
- Spritz with apple juice or broth to prevent drying out
- Change pellet flavors like hickory, apple, cherry for variety
- Try adding smoke last 30 minutes for more pronounced flavor
- Brining adds moisture and seasoning
- Glaze or sauce breasts at the end to avoid burning
Experiment with different woods, rubs, and techniques until you master your ideal chicken.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Steer clear of these mistakes when cooking chicken breasts:
- Poorly trimmed breasts with varying thickness
- Cooking at too high temperature
-Not searing before smoking - Smothering with sauce too early
- Overcooking past 165°F
Pay close attention to prep, temperature control, and doneness to prevent dried out, oversmoked chicken.
Time to Get Grilling!
Cooking juicy, delicious chicken breast on your Pit Boss pellet grill is easy once you know the basics. Apply the tips in this guide, and you’ll be a chicken pro in no time. Get creative with different woods and seasonings until you dial in your signature flavor. Then relax, beer in hand, as you enjoy tender, smoky chicken breast hot off your Pit Boss!
Useful Facts or Helpful Background
Before you start cooking chicken on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill, it’s helpful to understand a few key facts. Pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel, which impart a delicious smoky flavor to the meat. The digital controller makes it easy to change the grill’s temperature, so you can cook your chicken at just the right temperature. It’s also important to let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful end result.
Surprising Myths or What People Get Wrong
One common myth about cooking chicken on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill is that you need to constantly flip the chicken to ensure even cooking. In reality, it’s best to leave the chicken undisturbed for the majority of the cooking time to develop a nice crust on the outside. Another misconception is that you need to soak wood pellets before using them in the grill. This is not necessary, as the pellets are designed to burn efficiently without soaking.
| Common Mistake | Useful Fact | Surprising Myth |
|---|---|---|
| Overcooking chicken leads to dry meat | Pellet grills use wood pellets for a smoky flavor | No need to soak wood pellets before using |
- Before adding the chicken, heat up your Pit Boss Pellet Grill to the temperature you want.
- Use a lot of your favorite rub or marinade on the chicken to get the most flavor.
- To find out if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature.
- Before cutting the chicken, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so that the juices can spread out again.
- A grill brush should be used to clean the grates every time they are used so that food doesn’t stick.
How to Make JUICY Smoked Chicken Breasts on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill!
FAQ
How to cook chicken breast on pit boss pellet grill?
Warm up the Pit Boss pellet grill to 325°F (163°C) and grill the chicken breasts for 15 minutes. Flip and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (66°C). Baste with BBQ sauce and cook for 5-10 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
What temperature do you cook chicken breast on a pellet grill?
For juicy and flavorful chicken breast on a pellet grill, aim for a temperature range of 325-375°F (163-190°C). A good starting point is 325°F, and you can adjust based on your preference for a slightly crispier skin or faster cook time.
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400?
For grilling chicken, it’s generally better to use a medium-high heat, which translates to a temperature range of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This range allows for a good sear on the outside while ensuring the chicken cooks through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What temperature do you grill chicken on pit boss?
Chicken breasts on the pitboss at 225° until 140° internal than flame licked until 165°. Perfection.