should i butterfly chicken breast before grilling

Should I Butterfly Chicken Breast Before Grilling? A Definitive Guide

Grilling juicy flavorful chicken breast can seem tricky. We’ve all experienced dried-out unevenly cooked chicken at some point. But with a simple preparation technique called butterflying, you can achieve perfect chicken breast off the grill every time.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about butterflying chicken breasts before grilling. We’ll look at the benefits, proper technique, seasoning tips, doneness, and serving suggestions. Let’s get grilling!

What Does Butterflying Chicken Breast Mean?

Butterflying chicken breast refers to cutting the breast horizontally but not all the way through, then opening it up so it lies flat. This creates a thinner, uniform thickness that promotes quick and even cooking.

When a whole chicken breast is grilled, the thinner outer edges tend to overcook and dry out before the thicker middle cooks through. Butterflying prevents this issue. The chicken cooks fast and evenly throughout, resulting in an ideal texture that’s moist inside with a bit of char on the outside.

Should I Butterfly My Chicken Breasts Before Grilling?

Butterflying chicken breasts provides several advantages that make it worthwhile:

• Quicker cooking time. The thinner breast cooks faster, reducing time on the grill.

• Even cooking. No more dried edges or undercooked centers. The uniform thickness distributes heat evenly.

• Better flavor infusion. Seasonings and marinades penetrate the meat better with more surface area exposed.

• Easier to handle. The opened up breast lays flat on the grill grates for simpler cooking and flipping.

• Ideal thickness for grilling. Thin enough to cook fast yet thick enough to stay juicy.

• Visually appealing. The butterfly shape looks impressive plated or served whole.

So yes, butterflying is highly recommended for grilling moist, flavorful chicken breast every time. It takes little effort but makes a big difference in the results.

How to Butterfly a Chicken Breast for Grilling

Butterflying chicken breast is simple with just a sharp knife and a few minutes prep time. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Start with skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Rinse and pat dry. Place on a cutting board.

2. Hold the breast steady with one hand. With the other, use a sharp knife to slice horizontally through the thickest part, stopping about 1⁄2 inch before the edge.

3. Open up the breast like a book, then pound lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin until evenly thin, about 1⁄2 inch thick.

4. Season the chicken breasts as desired (see seasoning tips below). You can also marinate at this point if you want extra flavor.

5. Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the chicken over direct medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side until cooked through and charred.

6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Seasoning and Marinating Tips

Butterflying exposes more surface area, so take advantage by seasoning generously. Here are some options:

• Basic salt, pepper, olive oil, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano

• Barbecue dry rub with paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar

• Italian dressing or marinade with garlic, basil, oregano, olive oil, vinegar

• Teriyaki marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar

• Southwest spice blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, cayenne

• Greek marinade with lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley, olive oil

Aim for at least 30 minutes to overnight for marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate into the chicken.

How to Tell When Butterflied Chicken Breasts Are Done

Using a meat thermometer is key for knowing exactly when your chicken is cooked perfectly without overdoing it.

• Thinner breasts grill quickly, so start checking temperature after about 4 minutes per side.

• Insert the thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone.

• Aim for 165°F internal temperature. At this point, the meat will be white throughout with no traces of pink.

• Juices should run clear when pierced with a fork. The chicken will feel firm yet still tender and moist inside.

Allow the chicken to rest at least 5 minutes before slicing for serving. This helps lock in the juices.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Butterflied Chicken Breasts

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving up your freshly grilled chicken. Here are some tasty ideas:

• Slice or dice chicken and add to salads, tacos, sandwiches, flatbreads, pasta dishes

• Pair with flavorful cooked grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice

• Serve with roasted or grilled veggies like zucchini, squash, peppers, eggplant

• Top with chimichurri sauce, pesto, or fresh salsa for extra flavor

• Offer alongside potato salad, coleslaw, bean salad for classic cookout sides

• Stuff into a pita or wrap with lettuce, tomato, cheese for an easy lunch

Get creative with global flavors. Grilled butterflied chicken is versatile enough to integrate into all sorts of cuisines.

Juicy, Well-Seasoned Grilled Chicken Every Time

Butterflying chicken breasts before hitting the grill makes all the difference in achieving ideal texture and moisture. The quick, even cooking results in foolproof chicken that’s juicy inside yet nicely charred on the outside.

Combined with flavorful seasoning blends or marinades, you’ll enjoy the full flavor potential chicken breast has to offer. Get ready for your best grilled chicken yet this summer. Give butterflying a try and taste the delicious difference it makes.

To prepare chicken breasts for grilling, start by trimming any excess fat or skin. Pounding them to an even thickness can help them cook uniformly. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours) will enhance flavor and tenderness.