How Long To Broil Chicken Breast
Learn the perfect broiling time and technique to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken breast with a beautifully caramelized crust. This quick and easy method ensures a delicious, protein-packed meal in under 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (around 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 30 ml
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 5 g
- 1 teaspoon onion powder 5 g
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 5 g
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice optional, about 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Broiler: Start by preheating your oven’s broiler on high. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. I like to leave my oven rack in the upper third of the oven, about 4-6 inches from the heat source.
- Prepare the Chicken: While your broiler is heating up, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is important for achieving that nice browning.
- Marinate: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this mixture, making sure they’re fully covered. If you have time, let them marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature; this allows the flavors to really soak in.
- Broil: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and put them under the broiler. Broil for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip them over and broil for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. I always watch closely—broiling times can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your oven.
- Check for Doneness: Stick a meat thermometer in to make sure your chicken hits 165°F (75°C). This is the safest and most reliable way to know your chicken is fully cooked without being dry.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. If you’d like, squeeze some fresh lemon juice before slicing. Trust me, it adds a beautiful zing!
Notes
- Adjust broiling time depending on the thickness of the chicken. Thin chicken (½ inch) takes 8-10 minutes total, while thicker chicken (1.5 inches) may need up to 18 minutes.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes before broiling.
- If using bone-in chicken, increase the broiling time by 5-7 minutes.
- Always let the chicken rest before cutting to keep it juicy.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 400mg
Share your favorite seasoning in the comments below!