Nothing beats a tender, juicy chicken breast, and some BBQ joints out there can make the most flavorful piece of chicken you’ll ever have!
The secret weapon: using bone-in chicken.
If you’re tired of dry chicken or simply want to elevate your grilling game, this guide is for you. Here’s everything you need to know about getting that restaurant-quality barbeque bone-in chicken breast right in your own yard.
What is a Bone-In Chicken Breast?
A bone-in chicken breast is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the breast meat of the chicken with the rib cage still attached.
Unlike boneless chicken breasts, these cuts have the sternum and rib bones intact, which help protect the meat from drying out during cooking.
The bone also conducts heat differently, helping the meat cook more evenly. Plus, that bone marrow seeps into the meat while cooking, adding an extra layer of flavor you just can’t get with boneless cuts.
Grill Types for Cooking Chicken
Your choice of grill can make a real difference when it comes to cooking the perfect barbeque bone-in chicken breast. Let’s walk through each type and see what makes them special.
Gas
Gas grills give you precise temperature control, which is crucial when you’re cooking BBQ bone-in chicken breast.
You can create different heat zones easily – high heat for that initial sear, then medium for cooking through without burning. The consistent heat means you won’t have those dreaded hot spots that can leave you with partially raw chicken.
The Jackson Grills Lux 700 Grill is known for its excellent heat distribution and built-in thermometer.
Charcoal
Nothing beats charcoal for that authentic smoky flavor. The learning curve for using this grill may be steeper, but the payoff in taste is worth it.
You can add different wood chips for extra flavor notes, such as hickory or applewood. The high heat capability of charcoal grills gives you that perfect crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
The Bull Bison Premium Freestanding Grill Cart lets you maintain steady temperatures for hours.
Pellet
Think of pellet grills as your “set it and forget it” option for BBQ bone-in chicken breast. They’re like having a smoker and grill in one.
The digital controls make maintaining temperature a breeze. The wood pellets add a subtle smoke flavor without overwhelming the meat.
The Traeger Ironwood XL Pellet Grill & Smoker is perfect for beginners looking for consistency.
Electric
Electric grills are perfect for apartment dwellers or those with strict HOA rules. While you won’t get that traditional smoky flavor, electric grills are incredibly convenient for cooking bone-in chicken breast. They heat up quickly and maintain steady temperatures.
Many models, like the Napoleon's TravelQ PRO285 Portable Electric Grill, come with features like removable porcelain drip trays and liners for easy cleaning.
Propane
Similar to natural gas grills but more portable, propane grills are great for tailgating or camping while wanting to cook up some quality BBQ chicken. These grills heat up quickly and offer good temperature control.
The Jackson Grills Supreme 850 Series Built-in Liquid Propane Grill is portable without sacrificing cooking quality.
Kamado
These ceramic beauties have thick walls that retain heat beautifully, which makes them perfect for both high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking of bone-in chicken breasts.
The shape of Kamado grills creates excellent air circulation, guaranteeing even cooking. While they take longer to heat up, they’re incredibly fuel-efficient.
The Primo Primo Oval Large Ceramic Kamado Charcoal Grill comes with a divide-and-conquer flexible cooking system that’s perfect for different cooking zones.
Cooking Boneless Chicken Breast on the Grill
Getting grilled chicken just right takes a bit of know-how. Let’s break down the process into simple steps.
Prep Your Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps get that perfect sear we’re looking for.
And if your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, give them a quick pound with a meat mallet. Even thickness means even cooking; it’s that simple.
Seasoning Matters
A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works great in my opinion. Want more flavor, though? Try a time-efficient dry rub like ours or a well-seasoned marinade.
Just remember: let the chicken sit with the seasonings for at least 15 minutes before grilling.
The Right Heat
Set up your grill for two-zone cooking: one side hot (around 400℉) and one side medium (around 350℉). This gives you control over how your grilled chicken cooks and prevents it from getting burnt if things get too hot.
Starting the Grilling Process
- Start on the hot side for 2-3 minutes per side to get those nice grill marks.
- Move to the medium heat zone to finish cooking.
- Flip only once to get better grill marks. For more even cooking, flip every 3-5 minutes.
- Cook until internal temp hits 165℉ (rounds up to about 6-8 minutes per side)
Note: Use a thermometer and stick it into the thickest part of the breast to check for temperature. Check out our pro wireless thermometer if you don’t have one.
Once done, let your grilled chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This is important to keep all those tasty juices inside where they belong.
Bonus: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t keep lifting the lid to peek! Watch the timer instead.
- Resist the urge to press down on the chicken. Only flip.
- Never cut into the chicken to check doneness. That’s what the thermometer is for.
Preparing Bone-In Chicken for the Grill
It’s time to get your bone-in, skin-on chicken breast ready for grilling. Here’s how to prep and marinate for maximum flavor.
Basic Preparation
Pat the breast dry with paper towels. You’ll want to gently lift the skin and create a pocket as this is your flavor zone. Leave the skin on since it helps keep moisture in while cooking and gets deliciously crispy.
Our Top 3 Marinades to Choose From
Classic BBQ
Mix:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
Let your barbeque bone-in chicken breast soak for 4-6 hours. This marinade pairs perfectly with corn on the cob and coleslaw.
Citrus Herb
Combine in a small bowl:
- The juice of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Fresh rosemary and thyme
Citrus herb is a lighter marinade, and your chicken needs 2-3 hours to sit in it. It works great with grilled asparagus or Mediterranean-style sides.
Asian-Inspired
Mix in a bowl:
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- Grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons of honey
With this marinade, the chicken breasts should rest for 3-4 hours at least. We recommend pairing this marinade with grilled bok choy or sticky rice for a truly Asian-inspired dinner.
Bonus: Pro Prepping Tips
- Make sure to always marinate in the fridge, never at room temperature
- When using BBQ sauce-based marinades, set some aside before mixing with raw chicken to use for basting
- For any marinade containing honey or sugar, watch carefully while grilling as these can burn quickly
- If you’re short on time or impatient, even 30 minutes with a marinade is better than nothing
Note: Bone-in chicken breast takes marinades differently than boneless. The bone actually helps distribute flavors through the meat as it cooks.
Barbecuing Bone-In Chicken
Your chicken breast is prepped, marinated, and more than ready for the grill. Let me show you how I do it.
Set Up Grill
Create two heat zones on your grill – one hot (400℉) and one medium (325-350℉). For BBQ bone-in chicken breast, this dual-zone setup is how you get that juicy cut! Make sure to also place a drip pan under the cooler side to catch those tasty juices.
Heads Up: Let your marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling. Cold meat and a hot grill result in uneven cooking.
Initial Sear
Start skin-side up in the hot zone for 5-7 minutes. You’re watching for those nice grill marks and a golden color. Keep an eye out for flare-ups because that skin has plenty of fat underneath.
Handy Tip: Keep your BBQ sauce nearby but don’t apply it just yet. The sugar in the sauce can burn quickly at high heat.
Barbecuing the Chicken
Here comes the tricky part since you need to be patient. Follow the steps below to the tee:
- Move chicken to medium-heat zone, skin-side down
- Close the lid tightly
- Don’t open the lid until 15-20 minutes of cooking time has passed
- Flip the meat
- Use a basting brush to moisturize the chicken with BBQ sauce
- Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes
Basting Guide
Confused as to when you should baste? Here’s a quick and simple guide:
- Your first baste is when you flip the chicken the first time
- Second baste should be 10 minutes later
- The final baste needs to be 5 minutes before finishing
Temperature Check
Similar to boneless chicken, you want the internal temperature of your bone-in breast to be around 165℉. Avoid the bone when inserting the thermometer to check the thickest part.
Note: Temperature will rise 5℉ while resting. It’s perfectly normal.
The Rest
Once done, place your chicken breast on a plate and tent it loosely with foil. Don’t make it too tight or narrow or else you lose that crispy skin you worked so hard for. Let the meat rest for 8-10 minutes before serving.
Final Pro Tip: If the sauce starts to char too much, move the chicken to the cooler cooking zone or flip it more frequently.
Side Dish Ideas for Grilled Bone-In Chicken
Want to make your meal truly special? Pair your grilled bone-in chicken breast with the right side dish to elevate the dish. Here are some easy, delicious sides to complete your BBQ spread:
Homemade BBQ Sauce
While technically not a side dish, a homemade BBQ sauce is a must-have companion for your chicken.
A simple blend of ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika creates a rich, tangy, and smoky sauce that’s perfect for brushing onto the chicken as it grills. It only takes minutes to make and tastes far better than store-bought.
Don’t forget to serve extra on the side for dipping!
Crunchy Slaw
Many people agree that a fresh slaw is the perfect way to balance the smoky, savory flavors of grilled chicken.
Toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinegar-based dressing for a crisp, refreshing bite. If you prefer a creamy slaw, mix in a bit of mayo or Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
This side is quick to assemble, keeps well, and adds a bright, crunchy element to your plate.
Roasted Corn on the Cob
Brush it with butter, sprinkle on chili powder, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a smoky-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken.
To take it up a notch, add a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a Mexican street corn twist. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit at the table.
Baked Mac and Cheese
For a starchy, hearty side, baked mac and cheese is the ultimate choice. Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor and bake until the top is golden and bubbling.
The creamy, cheesy goodness complements the smoky grilled chicken and is guaranteed to please a crowd. Plus, it’s an easy, make-ahead dish.
Cooking Times
Cooking times for bone-in chicken breast varies depending on the type of grill you’re using because different grills distribute heat in unique ways. Here’s what to know:
- Gas Grill: These provide steady, consistent heat, making it easier to control cooking time. Bone-in chicken typically takes 30-40 minutes on medium heat.
- Charcoal Grill: Due to fluctuating temperatures, charcoal grills can be trickier. Bone-in chicken takes 35-45 minutes depending on how well the coals are maintained. Tip: Position the chicken further from direct flames to avoid burning the skin.
- Pellet Grill: Perfect for even cooking and adding smoky flavor, a bone-in chicken on a pellet grill would take 40-50 minutes. Cook at a lower temperature, such as 350℉ as these grills are made for slower, more consistent heat.
- Electric Grill: With limited heat intensity, electric grills may require 35-50 minutes for a bone-in breast. They’re best used with thinner cuts or smaller breasts to avoid prolonged cooking times.