How Long to Cook Butterflied Chicken Breast on Gas Grill?

Are you ready to grill up some amazing chicken, cooked perfectly every time? Butterflying chicken breasts is a fantastic technique that ensures even and faster cooking, making it a favorite for backyard grill masters. If you’ve ever wondered how long to cook butterflied chicken breast on gas grill, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll guide you to juicy, tender, and perfectly grilled chicken.

Why Butterfly Chicken Breasts?

Before cooking, let’s see why butterflying (also known as spatchcocking or cutletting) is such a game-changer for chicken breasts:

• Even Cooking: Chicken breasts often vary in thickness. Butterflying opens them up, creating a uniform thickness. No more dry edges or undercooked centers!
• Faster Cooking: With a consistent, thinner profile, butterflied chicken cooks much quicker than a thick, whole breast – perfect for busy meals.
• Better Flavor Absorption: Increased surface area means marinades and seasonings penetrate more deeply, for a more flavorful bite.

Getting Your Chicken Ready for the Grill

Proper preparation is key to grilling success.

How to Butterfly a Chicken Breast

If your chicken isn’t pre-butterflied, here’s how:

1. Place a chicken breast flat on a cutting board.
2. Carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part, almost through, leaving about half an inch connected.
3. Open the breast like a book. Gently pound it to an even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch) if needed, using a meat mallet between two sheets of plastic wrap.

Seasoning and Prep

Once butterflied:

• Pat Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken breasts dry. This helps create a beautiful sear and prevents steaming.
• Season: Apply your favorite rub, salt, pepper, or other seasonings generously to both sides. If marinating, allow at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) for flavors to meld.
• Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly brush your preheated grill grates with a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or grapeseed) to prevent sticking.

Grilling Essentials: Temperature & Tools

To grill butterflied chicken breast on a gas grill successfully, you’ll need:

• Grill Temperature: Set your gas grill to medium-high heat, aiming for an internal grill temperature of 400-450°F (204-232°C).
• Meat Thermometer: An instant-read meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring doneness without overcooking.
• Tongs: For easy flipping.

The Golden Question: How Long to Cook Butterflied Chicken Breast on Gas Grill?

The sweet spot for perfectly cooked butterflied chicken breast on a gas grill is usually 12-16 minutes total, or 6-8 minutes per side.

However, the real indicator of doneness is always the internal temperature. Your chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Step-by-Step Grilling Guide

Follow these steps for perfectly grilled, juicy chicken:

1. Preheat Your Grill: Turn your gas grill to medium-high heat and close the lid. Allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes until it reaches 400-450°F (204-232°C).
2. Place Chicken on Grill: Once hot and oiled, carefully place the butterflied chicken breasts on the grates. Close the lid to maintain consistent temperature.
3. Grill First Side: Cook for 6-8 minutes. Resist moving the chicken – you want those beautiful grill marks!
4. Flip and Grill Second Side: Use tongs to flip the chicken. Cook for another 6-8 minutes.
5. Check Internal Temperature: After the second side cooks for a few minutes, start checking the internal temperature with your instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part, avoiding bones. It’s done at 165°F (74°C). If more time is needed, continue cooking, checking every minute or two.
6. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate or cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful chicken.

Expert Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Cook in batches if necessary. Leave space between each piece for even heat circulation.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Seriously, this is non-negotiable for juicy chicken! It’s the only way to know if your chicken is truly done without cutting into it.
• Rest Your Chicken: Don’t skip this step! It makes all the difference in moisture and tenderness.
• Manage Flare-Ups: If fat drips and causes flare-ups, move the chicken to a cooler spot or temporarily remove it until flames subside.
• Keep it Clean: Start with clean grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Flavor Boosters: Marinades & Brining

Want to take your chicken to the next level?

• Marinades: A good marinade adds incredible flavor and can tenderize the meat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
• Brining: For truly succulent chicken, consider a quick brine. A simple salt, sugar, and water solution for 30 minutes to an hour significantly boosts moisture retention.

Troubleshooting Common Grilling Issues

Even seasoned grillers face challenges. Here’s how to handle them:

• Dry Chicken: Often due to overcooking. Use your meat thermometer and pull it off promptly at 165°F (74°C).
• Burnt Exterior, Raw Interior: Your grill heat is too high! Reduce to medium-high (400-450°F) or cook longer over indirect heat if one side darkens too quickly.
• Raw Interior, Pale Exterior: The grill wasn’t hot enough, or it wasn’t cooked long enough. Ensure proper preheating and target temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Butterflied Chicken

What are the main benefits of butterflying chicken?

Butterflying chicken breasts ensures even cooking by creating a uniform thickness, speeds up cooking time, and allows for better absorption of marinades, leading to more flavorful and juicy results.

What is the ideal grill temperature for butterflied chicken?

Aim for a medium-high grill temperature, typically between 400-450°F (204-232°C). This achieves a good sear and efficient cooking without burning the exterior before the interior is done.

How do I know when my butterflied chicken is fully cooked?

The only reliable way is with an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part; it should read 165°F (74°C). Visual cues help, but a thermometer is foolproof.

How can I prevent my grilled chicken from becoming dry?

Avoid overcooking: use a meat thermometer and remove chicken promptly at 165°F (74°C). Also, patting it dry before seasoning and allowing it to rest after cooking helps retain moisture.

Can I marinate butterflied chicken? If so, for how long?

Yes, marinating is highly recommended for flavor and tenderness. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours for best results. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours, especially with acidic marinades, to prevent mushiness.

Grill with Confidence!

Now you’re armed with all the knowledge to perfectly grill butterflied chicken breasts on your gas grill. Remember the key: proper prep, the right temperature, and a reliable meat thermometer. Get ready to impress with deliciously juicy chicken every time! Happy grilling!