Master Grilled Chicken In A Grill Pan: Easy Techniques

Grilled chicken is a tasty, healthy dish that can be made on a grill pan if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a good choice as they are low in calories and high in protein, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. They also cook more quickly and evenly. To get started, you'll need to pat your chicken dry, season it, and heat up your grill pan. You can use a variety of seasonings, but a simple combination of garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper is a popular choice. Once your pan is hot, add some oil and cook your chicken for around 5 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!

How to prepare the chicken before grilling

Preparing your chicken before grilling is a crucial step in achieving juicy, flavorful, and well-cooked chicken. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare your chicken before grilling:

Pound the Chicken:

If you are using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it is recommended to pound the thicker end of the chicken to make it thinner and more even in thickness. This technique ensures even cooking and reduces the cooking time. You can use a meat tenderizer or a rolling pin for this step.

Brine the Chicken:

Brining is a process of submerging the chicken in a saltwater solution before grilling. Brining helps prevent the chicken from overcooking, improves moisture retention, and enhances the flavor. It also aids in achieving better grill marks by increasing surface moisture and sugars, which brown quickly. Aim to brine the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can also leave it in the brine for up to 8 to 12 hours for more intense flavors.

Marinade:

Creating a marinade for your chicken adds extra flavor and moisture. You can make a marinade by combining ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, spices, and seasonings. Place the chicken and marinade in a large resealable plastic bag, shake well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to a few hours before grilling. You can also use store-bought marinades or seasoning mixes, such as taco seasoning, if you're short on time.

Seasoning:

If you choose not to use a marinade, you can simply season the chicken with salt and pepper or your favorite spice blend. Season generously on both sides of the chicken to enhance the flavor. For bone-in, skin-on chicken, you can apply sweet sauces like barbecue sauce or glazes, but only after the chicken is cooked, as these sauces tend to burn quickly.

Dry the Chicken:

Before placing the chicken on the grill, use paper towels to pat it dry. This step helps remove excess moisture, ensuring that the skin gets crispy during grilling. Remember to wash your hands and any equipment that came into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

By following these preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to grilling juicy and flavorful chicken.

The best grill pans to use

When choosing a grill pan, it's important to consider what you'll be using it for, the type of cooktop you have, and whether you want to be able to put it in the oven. Here are some of the best grill pans on the market:

Best Overall: Jean Patrique The Whatever Pan

This pan is made from die-cast aluminum, making it sturdy yet relatively lightweight. It's non-stick and can be preheated to a high level without ruining the non-stick quality. It's oven-safe up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on any type of cooktop. The pan has 1.8-inch-high sides to prevent splatter and comes with a bonus glass lid. The only downside is that the handles get extremely hot, so be sure to use oven mitts when handling.

Best Nonstick: Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Non-Stick 11" Square Grill Pan

This non-stick grill pan is perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners. It's tough and sturdy yet not too heavy, with a comfortable-to-grip long handle and 1½-inch-high sides. The pan is oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on gas, electric, and glass-top stoves. Calphalon claims that the non-stick quality of this pan lasts 40% longer than its Classic pans, and it's backed by a lifetime warranty. While it doesn't get as hot as cast iron, it still cooks food evenly and produces decent grill marks.

Best Cast Iron: Staub Enameled Cast Iron Pure Grill

This grill pan is a beauty, with its enameled cast iron construction. It's a heavy pan, weighing in at 7.3 pounds, but it's still easy to maneuver with a mitted hand. The pan is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used on electric, gas, radiant, induction, and halogen cooktops. The round handles are comfortable to grip but do get extremely hot, so be sure to use oven mitts. While it works great for burgers and bread, it may stick a bit when cooking fish. Cleaning is easy, just soak in hot soapy water and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Best Budget: Anolon Advanced Home 11-Inch Deep Square Grill Pan

This non-stick grill pan is a great option if you're looking for a budget-friendly choice. It has 1¾-inch-high sides to prevent splatter and plenty of grilling space. The rubberized handle is comfortable and sturdy, making it easy to maneuver. The pan is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and is backed by a lifetime warranty. While it doesn't produce very pronounced grill marks, it cooks food evenly and releases easily. The handle stays cool during cooking, and the pan has pour spouts on both sides for easy grease removal.

Best Budget Enameled Cast Iron: Cuisinart Chef's Classic 9.25-Inch Square Grill Pan

If you're looking for an enameled cast iron grill pan that's easy on the wallet, this option from Cuisinart is a great choice. It heats fairly evenly and produces deep grill marks. The grill grates are close together to keep food from sitting in drippings. It's not the best at searing both sides of food evenly, and there may be some sticking when cooking meat. But for the price, it's a great value.

Marinade options

There are many different options for marinades to flavour your chicken. Here are some ideas for ingredients to use:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Balsamic vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Dried rosemary
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried parsley flakes
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

You can also add fresh herbs and garlic to your marinade, or add cumin for a Tex Mex twist.

To make your marinade, simply mix your chosen ingredients together in a bowl and pour into a zip-top bag. Add your chicken, coat with the marinade, and leave in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and cook on a preheated grill pan.

Cooking times and temperatures

When grilling chicken in a grill pan, there are several factors that will influence the cooking time and temperature, including the type of chicken, whether it has bones, the thickness of the meat, and the temperature of the grill pan.

First, let's talk about the type of chicken. Boneless chicken breasts will cook more quickly and evenly due to the faster heat conduction through the meat. Bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or leg quarters, will take longer to cook and may require a combination of grilling and oven baking to ensure they are cooked through.

The thickness of the chicken also plays a role in cooking time. For even cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1-2 inches. This can be done using a meat tenderizer or a rolling pin. Butterflying the chicken breast, or cutting it in half horizontally, can help achieve the desired thickness.

Now, let's discuss the ideal temperature for grilling chicken in a grill pan. The grill pan should be preheated to a high temperature, typically medium-high heat. You want the pan to be very hot so that grill marks can form on the chicken and it cooks evenly. For a standard grill pan, this will take around 2-3 minutes to heat up.

Once the grill pan is hot, you can add the chicken. The cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of the chicken. For boneless chicken breasts, grill each side for 5-6 minutes for a total cooking time of around 10-12 minutes. This should result in well-marked grill lines and juicy, tender meat. For bone-in chicken pieces, the grilling time will be shorter, around 5 minutes per side, followed by finishing in the oven for an additional 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking times mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on your grill pan, stove, and the thickness of your chicken. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

After removing the chicken from the grill pan, it is essential to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier, more flavorful piece of meat.

How to serve grilled chicken

Grilled chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve grilled chicken:

Salads

Salads are a refreshing and healthy option to pair with grilled chicken. You can go for a classic like a crisp and light coleslaw or a heartier option like a pasta salad. Some other salad ideas include:

• Greek salad
• Broccoli salad
• Cucumber salad
• Watermelon arugula salad
• Peach, tomato, and corn arugula salad
• Strawberry kale salad
• Avocado peach tomato salad

Grilled Vegetables

If you're already firing up the grill for chicken, why not add some vegetables to the mix? Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option that can be served as a side dish or added to a salad. Some grilled vegetable ideas include:

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Grilled broccoli
• Grilled mushrooms
• Grilled sweet potatoes
• Grilled zucchini
• Grilled eggplant
• Grilled carrots
• Grilled cabbage wedges

Starch Sides

Starch sides can help round out your meal and make it more filling. Some options include:

• Potato salad
• French onion mashed potatoes
• Crispy oven fries
• Cheesy grilled potato packets
• Grilled potato, onion, and bacon skewers
• Classic grilled corn on the cob
• Buttery baked rice
• Crispy salt and vinegar fingerling potatoes
• Crispy smashed potatoes

Other Sides

There are also a variety of other side dishes that can complement grilled chicken. Here are some ideas:

• Grilled hearts of romaine
• Grilled chicken baguette sandwiches
• Grilled chicken caprese
• Grilled chicken fajitas
• Grilled chicken sliders
• Grilled chicken wings
• Grilled chicken quinoa bowls
• Grilled chicken with coconut-lime slaw

Frequently asked questions