How to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Breast on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill

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.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook mouthwatering chicken breast on your Pit Boss pellet grill.

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:

1. Coat breasts with olive oil and season all over
2. Sear skin-side down over direct heat for 5-7 minutes
3. Flip and sear second side for 3-5 minutes more
4. Move breasts to indirect heat, season again if desired
5. Cook until breasts reach 165°F internal temperature, about 15-25 minutes
6. 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!

To cook chicken breasts on a Pit Boss pellet grill, preheat to 325°F (163°C) and grill 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).

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.

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).