Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves juicy, flavorful chicken with a delicious char. Over the years, I’ve perfected this delicious Chicken Breast Recipe, and it has become a go-to for family gatherings and weeknight dinners. Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe gives them a unique smoky flavour and keeps the meat juicy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe is simple and guarantees excellent results every time. Let me walk you through this easy and tasty Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe so you can enjoy a flavorful meal that will impress everyone!

Ingredients for Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe

To make a simple and delicious Perfect bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe
- Prep the chicken
Start by patting the fresh chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents excess moisture, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than grill. Rub both sides of the fresh chicken breasts with olive oil and season carefully and generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A temperature from 375°F to 400°F is ideal for grilling bone-in chicken breasts. Using a charcoal grill ensures the coals are evenly spread, providing consistent heat.
- Grill the chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts skin-side down on the grill. Close the lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This will help the skin become crispy and browned. Then, flip the chicken breasts over, reduce the grill heat to medium, and continue to cook for another 20-25 minutes, turning the chicken every 7 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Check the internal temperature.
Use an active meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast, near the bone. If it hasn’t reached the correct temperature, continue grilling for a few more minutes until it’s done.
- Rest the chicken
Once the chicken has reached the proper temperature, remove it carefully from the grill and rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute perfectly, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Serve the chicken
After the chicken has rested, slice or serve it whole, drizzle with lemon juice for added brightness, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of colour. Serve alongside your favourite grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving and Enjoying Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe
To serve, place the grilled chicken breasts on a platter, slicing them into thick, juicy pieces. Pair the chicken with grilled veggies, a light quinoa salad, or a cool coleslaw. This Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or a weekend dinner. The smoky, tender Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe will have everyone asking for seconds, so enjoy every bite!
Here are some Chef’s Tips to help you master your Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe
- Dry the Chicken Well
Before seasoning, pat the fresh chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step removes excess moisture and helps the seasoning stick better, ensuring crispy, flavorful skin when grilled.
- Use Bone-in for Extra Juiciness
Bone-in chicken breasts are juicier than boneless breasts, as the bone helps retain moisture during grilling and adds more flavour. While boneless chicken cooks faster, bone-in will give you that classic grilled chicken taste and tenderness.
- Let the Chicken Rest Before Grilling
Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling (about 15-20 minutes). This ensures even cooking of the chicken and helps the chicken to cook much faster and more evenly. Cold chicken straight from the fridge can cook unevenly.
- Oil the Grill Grates
Prevent the chicken from being sticking to the grill by lightly oiling the grates. You can do this by carefully dipping a folded paper towel in fresh oil and using tongs to rub it over the grates. This will help the chicken breasts come off the grill quickly with a nice sear.
- Grill Over Two-Zone Heat
Set up your grill with two zones: high heat (direct heat) and low heat (indirect heat). Start by searing the chicken skin-side down over the high heat to get that golden, crispy skin. Then, move the chicken to the cooler side to finish cooking through without burning.
- Flip Only Once
Resist the urge to make the chicken flif too often. Flipping the chicken only once (after about 7-8 minutes) will help it cook more evenly and retain its juices. Too much flipping can dry out the chicken and prevent it from achieving that perfect grill mark.
- Use a Meat Thermometer
Always use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (without touching the bone) to check the internal temperature. The ideal temperature is 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked without being dry.
- Avoid Pressing the Chicken
Don’t touch the chicken with your spatula or tongs while grilling. It might seem tempting, but pressing out the juices will result in dry chicken. Let the heat and time do the work for you!
- Rest the Chicken After Grilling
Always allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, making the chicken more tender and juicy. Cutting too soon will release the juices and leave the meat dry.
- Experiment with Flavor Variations
While the basic seasoning of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika works wonderfully, don’t hesitate to try different marinades or rubs to add variety. You can marinate the chicken in lemon and herb marinades or add some heat with cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra kick.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor
After grilling, carefully squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a zesty flavour boost. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme also add a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish. This little touch can elevate your Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe!
By following these chef’s tips, you’ll elevate your grilling game and create bone-in chicken breasts that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavour.
Nutrition Information for the Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe (per 1 serving – 4-5 oz bone-in chicken breast)
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
Bone-in chicken breasts are relatively low in calories, especially when grilled without excess oil or butter.
- Protein: 30-35 grams
Chicken breast is an attractive and excellent source of lean protein, supporting muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
- Total Fat: 14-18 grams
The fat content varies based on how much skin is left on the chicken. Since this recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken, the fat will be higher than in boneless, skinless breasts. Most of the fat comes from the skin, but grilling helps to render some of it.
- Saturated Fat: 3-5 grams
The saturated fat comes mainly from the chicken skin. You can remove the skin after grilling if you prefer a lower-fat option.
- Cholesterol: 70-80 mg
Chicken breasts naturally contain moderate cholesterol, which is typical for all poultry. The amount in this recipe is within a reasonable range for most healthy adults.
- Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams
Chicken breasts are low in carbohydrates. The recipe’s carbs come from the seasonings or marinades, but they are minimal.
- Fiber: 0 grams
The chicken itself contains no fibre. However, serving it with fibre-rich sides like vegetables or salad can increase the meal’s fibre content.
- Sugar: 0 grams
The chicken recipe does not contain added sugar. Small amounts of sugar may come from marinades or seasonings.
- Sodium: 300-400 mg
- The sodium content largely depends on how much salt and seasoning you use, especially if you add bouillon, pre-seasoned rubs, or marinades. To reduce sodium, opt for homemade or low-sodium seasonings.
Vitamins & Minerals
- Vitamin A: 2-4% of the Daily Value (from any spices or added herbs like paprika or thyme)
- Vitamin C: 2-5% of the Daily Value (from fresh lemon juice, if used as a garnish)
- Calcium: 2-3% of the Daily Value
- Iron: 6-8% of the Daily Value (from chicken and spices)
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Chicken breast provides significant protein, essential for building and repairing human muscles and tissues and maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Low in Carbs: This recipe is a good option for those following low-carb or keto diets. It’s a satisfying protein-packed choice without adding many carbohydrates.
- Rich in Nutrients: Besides being a great and absolute source of protein, chicken breast is also a good source of essential vitamins and proper minerals like B vitamins (especially niacin and B6), phosphorus, and selenium.
- Moderate Fat: While the fat content is higher due to the skin, most of the fat is unsaturated, especially if you cook with olive oil. Grilling helps render some fat, so preparing bone-in chicken is healthier.
This nutrition information for Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe is based on a standard recipe with minimal added fat and seasonings. To get the most accurate breakdown fir this Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients and portion sizes
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Here are some related recipes for the Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe that you can try for a variety of different flavour combinations
- Grilled Lemon Herb Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Marinate the chicken in fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary—grill to perfection for a refreshing and aromatic flavour.
- BBQ Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Coat the bone-in chicken breasts in a smoky BBQ sauce and grill them over medium heat. The caramelized sauce will create a sweet and smoky crust.
- Garlic Parmesan Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Rub the chicken with garlic, olive oil, and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese—Grill for a crispy, cheesy crust and juicy inside.
- Spicy Cajun Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Season your chicken with a bold Cajun spice blend, including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme, for a spicy and smoky kick. Perfect for grilling!
- Honey Mustard Grilled Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Marinate the chicken in honey, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. The sweet, tangy glaze is perfect for grilling and pairs well with the chicken’s natural juices.
- Mediterranean Grilled Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Use a fresh olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano, and olives marinade for a Mediterranean-inspired flavour. Grilled to perfection, it’s refreshing and savoury.
- Teriyaki Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Marinate chicken breasts in a sweet and salty teriyaki sauce, then grill them for a delicious Asian-inspired dish with a hint of sweetness and soy sauce flavour.
- Smoked Paprika Grilled Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme for a savoury, smoky rub. The smoked paprika gives this grilled chicken recipe a rich, deep flavour.
- Grilled Bone-In Chicken with Chimichurri Sauce
Grill the chicken until golden and juicy, then top with a tangy and herby chimichurri sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
- Balsamic Glazed Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar, garlic, honey, and olive oil, and then grill it to perfection for a slightly sweet and savoury glaze.
These chicken recipes, like Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe, offer a variety of flavours, from sweet to savoury, and different grilling techniques to keep your bone-in chicken breasts exciting. You can adjust the marinades, rubs, and grilling methods based on your preferences for this Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe!
FAQs for Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe
1. Can I use boneless fresh chicken breasts instead of bone-in?
Ans: Yes, you can use fresh boneless chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be shorter—about 15-20 minutes.
2. How do I get crispy skin on grilled chicken?
Ans: Make sure to cook the chicken skin-side down first and avoid moving it around too much on the grill.
3. Can I marinate the chicken before grilling?
Ans: Yes, marinating the chicken for a few hours before grilling adds extra flavour, but it’s not necessary for this recipe.
4. What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked through?
Ans: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken’s actual internal temperature reaches up to 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part
5. How long should I grill bone-in chicken breasts?
Ans: Grill bone-in chicken breasts for about 20-25 minutes, turning every 7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
Grilling bone-in chicken breasts is a simple and absolutely delicious way to create a juicy, flavorful meal. The Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe is perfect for a perfect casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. You can enjoy a perfectly cooked, smoky Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe with crispy skin every time by following a few easy steps—seasoning, grilling, and resting the chicken. Try this Perfect Bone-in Chicken Breast Grill Recipe out at your next barbecue or family gathering and savour the incredible flavour of grilled chicken.