Are you tired of dried-out chicken that’s either undercooked or burnt to a crisp? I know I was before I discovered the magic of my Ninja Foodi Grill! This amazing kitchen gadget has completely transformed how I cook chicken at home, making it possible to get that perfect juicy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture without firing up the outdoor grill.
But the million-dollar question remains how long do you actually need to grill chicken in a Ninja Foodi? The short answer is that it depends on the cut but generally you’re looking at anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. But don’t worry – I’ve got all the specifics covered below so you’ll never have to guess again!
Understanding Cooking Times for Different Chicken Cuts
The cooking time in your Ninja Foodi Grill varies significantly depending on which part of the chicken you’re preparing Let’s break it down
Chicken Breasts
- Temperature: 375-400°F (190-204°C)
- Cooking Time: 15-25 minutes
- Tips: These are the trickiest to get right since they can dry out easily. For best results, aim for breasts no thicker than 1 inch, or consider pounding them to ensure even cooking.
Chicken Thighs
- Temperature: 400-425°F (204-218°C)
- Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
- Tips: Thighs are more forgiving than breasts thanks to their higher fat content. They can handle higher temps without drying out.
Chicken Drumsticks
- Temperature: 375-400°F (204-218°C)
- Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
- Tips: Their shape allows for even heat distribution, making them relatively easy to grill.
Whole Chicken
- Temperature: 350-360°F (175°C)
- Cooking Time: 45-75 minutes
- Tips: This works best for smaller chickens under 4 pounds. It’s more like roasting than grilling.
Remember regardless of the cut the USDA recommends chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. I ALWAYS use a meat thermometer to check this – it’s seriously the most important tool in my kitchen!
Prepping Your Chicken for Perfect Results
Before you even turn on your Ninja Foodi Grill, proper preparation makes a huge difference in your results.
Marinating Makes Magic
I’ve found that marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even better, overnight) adds incredible flavor and helps keep the meat moist. My go-to simple marinade includes:
- 1/2 cup avocado oil (it has a high smoke point perfect for grilling)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup packed fresh herbs (parsley works great)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix these ingredients in a blender for about a minute, then pour all but 1/4 cup over your chicken. Reserve that remaining marinade for brushing during cooking.
Seasoning Secrets
If you don’t have time to marinate, even a simple seasoning of salt and pepper applied 30-60 minutes before cooking can make a difference. The salt will actually help the chicken retain moisture when cooking – who knew?!
Step-by-Step Ninja Foodi Chicken Grilling
Now let’s get to the actual cooking process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
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Preheat the grill – This is non-negotiable! Always preheat your Ninja Foodi Grill for at least 5 minutes before adding chicken.
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Set the temperature and time – Use the grill setting at the appropriate temperature for your chicken cut (see chart above).
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Add the chicken – When you get the “add food” notification, place your chicken on the grill grate. Don’t overcrowd!
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Flip halfway through – For example, with chicken breasts, cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook another 8 minutes.
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Brush with reserved marinade after flipping (if using)
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Check temperature – Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 160°F for breasts (it’ll continue cooking to 165°F while resting).
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Rest before serving – Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows juices to redistribute.
Tips for Ninja Foodi Grilling Success
After lots of trial and error (and some sadly dried-out chicken), I’ve learned these important tips:
Don’t Skip Preheating
The Ninja Foodi doesn’t take long to preheat, but this step is crucial for achieving that beautiful sear and locked-in juices. The grill will indicate when it’s ready.
Oil is Your Friend
Adding a little oil to the chicken promotes charring and crisping. Either spray/brush the meat with avocado oil before cooking or marinate in an oil-based mixture.
Salt Ahead of Time
Salt your chicken at least an hour before cooking if possible. This allows the salt to penetrate the meat, enhancing flavor and improving moisture retention.
Avoid Overcrowding
Give each piece of chicken enough space. Crowding the grill prevents proper browning and can lead to steaming rather than grilling.
The Resting Period is Sacred
I used to skip this step all the time, and my chicken suffered for it! Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than spilling all over your plate when you cut into it.
Common FAQs About Grilling Chicken in a Ninja Foodi
Can I use frozen chicken?
While technically possible, it’s not ideal. Frozen chicken requires significantly longer cooking times and often results in uneven cooking. For best results, thaw completely before grilling.
How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure to oil both the chicken and the grill grate before cooking. The Ninja Foodi Grill has a non-stick surface, but a light coating of oil provides extra insurance.
My chicken is burning on the outside but raw inside. What’s wrong?
This usually indicates the temperature is too high. Reduce the heat and increase the cooking time, using a meat thermometer to monitor doneness.
Can I grill bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in cuts may require slightly longer cooking times, but they often have more flavor. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F near the bone.
How do I clean the Ninja Foodi Grill after cooking chicken?
Let the grill cool slightly, then remove the grate and wash with warm, soapy water. Many components are dishwasher-safe for extra convenience.
The Perfect Ninja Foodi Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe to try in your Ninja Foodi Grill, here’s my go-to method:
Lemon-Herb Ninja Foodi Grilled Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine oil, lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, and pepper in a blender. Process for 1 minute.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of marinade. Pour the rest over chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat Ninja Foodi Grill to medium heat using the grill setting.
- Place chicken on grill and cook for 8 minutes.
- Flip chicken, brush with reserved marinade, and cook for another 8 minutes.
- Check internal temperature – it should reach 160°F.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Grilling chicken in a Ninja Foodi is pretty much foolproof once you understand the basics. The key factors are selecting the right cut, setting the appropriate time and temperature, and using a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.
Remember these general guidelines:
- Chicken breasts: 15-25 minutes at 375-400°F
- Chicken thighs: 20-30 minutes at 400-425°F
- Chicken drumsticks: 25-35 minutes at 375-400°F
- Whole chicken: 45-75 minutes at 350-360°F
With practice, you’ll develop an intuition for exactly how long to cook different cuts in your specific model. The beauty of the Ninja Foodi Grill is that it takes much of the guesswork out of the equation, giving you delicious, juicy chicken with that authentic grilled flavor any time of year, right from your kitchen counter.
So go ahead – fire up that Ninja Foodi and get grilling! Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you.
Why Using a Tenderizer is Important
I highly recommend using a meat tenderizer to pound chicken in equal thickness. It is the best way to ensure even cooking throughout. Chicken breasts and boneless thighs vary in weight and thickness, thus making it even more important to pound before cooking. A simple way to understand thickness is the thinner it is pounded, the faster the chicken will cook.
- Chicken Breasts – I buy mine from Costco because its most cost effective and I make this recipe so often that I use them up!
- Lime Juice – What I like to call the ~secret ingredient~. It not only provides a hint of citrus, but also keeps our chicken breast moist.
- Spices – My go-to blend is paprika, basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Ive experimented with a lot of different combos, but this is my favorite. Dont be limited by this spice mix, use your favorite!
- Olive Garden Italian Dressing – This recipe provides two different ways to marinate the chicken breasts. Ive tested other Italian dressings and this one is the best.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Prepare Ninja Grill Chicken Breast
Whats the best way to cook chicken? I grill my chicken! And I want to point out right from the start that different grills will have varying ignition and start times. So please pay attention to that and find what works best with your grill! It takes practice and time.
And if you’re using the Ninja Indoor Foodi Grill (like I am), inset the grill pan, set Foodi to ‘grill’ setting, and press preheat. Living in an apartment means no “real” grill but to be completely honest, we love this Ninja Indoor Foodi Grill just as much! Its space efficient, easier, and makes grilling our favorite foods into a weekly occurrence.
1. Start off by removing the thawed chicken from it’s container. Run the breast under lukewarm water. Using meat scissors, trim away any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
2. Take 2 large sheets of plastic wrap and layer them on a cutting board or countertop. You want to be sure they’re overlapping slightly. Place trimmed chicken breast on the plastic wrap and then cover with 2 more sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat tenderizer, pound the chicken breasts until they’re all equal thickness I aim for mine to be about ½ inch – ¾ inch thickness.
3. Decide how you want to marinate the chicken. Seasonings: Add tenderized chicken into a plastic bag. Pour in lime juice. Then, add in seasonings. Dressing: Add 1 cup of Italian Dressing to a plastic back with tenderized chicken. Toss to coat the breasts well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or for most flavorful results, overnight.
4. When the marinated chicken is ready to be grilled, heat the Ninja Foodi to 500°F. Remove the chicken from the marinades (do not put an excess amount of dressing marinade on the grill). Put the marinated chicken breast into the preheated grill. Let cook for 5 minutes of cooking and flip with tongs. Let the chicken cook for another 3-5 minutes or until internal temperature measures 160-165°F. Remove and enjoy!
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Cooked chicken can be diced and sealed and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. I love having fresh and frozen protein options on hand. It makes meal prep and building meals so much more efficient.
When you cut into your cooked chicken, the juices should be clear or an opaque white. Any red or pink juices indicate more cooking time is needed. Your chicken should an internal temperature of 160-165°F. This is the meat thermometer I use.
Absolutely and its quite simple. Be sure to allow cooked chicken to cool completely. Place it in a freezer safe storage bag, removing as much air as possible. Seal it and keep in the freezer for 2-3 months.
If youre not using a grill and still want the same tender results, prep using the same method, but instead of grilling, bake the chicken breasts on a sheet pan for 15-20 minutes at 400°F. This is another efficient way to prepare chicken without the need for an additional appliance. I recommend trimming, pounding, and prepping the raw chicken breasts in the same way.
