Spicy Grilled Chicken Breasts

After tasting these spicy grilled chicken breasts, our Test Kitchen pros swore that they'd never go back to another technique for cooking chicken breasts. This recipe for this spicy grilled chicken has a little secret: It's all in the brine. Brining your poultry before grilling seasons the chicken all the way through, locking in the moisture that will keep the cooked chicken tender and juicy.

However, don't leave the chicken in the brine for more than 30 minutes; otherwise it might absorb too much of the salt. (If you want to brine ahead of time, let the chicken soak in the brine for 30 minutes, then remove the chicken and pat it dry. Wrap the chicken and refrigerate, discarding the brine.) Cooking the chicken breasts on the high heat of the grill imparts lovely char—and means that dinner will be ready in no time.

Learn how to make spicy grilled chicken, and enjoy it as a sandwich, on a salad, by itself, and more.

Ingredients for Spicy Grilled Chicken Breasts

To make these spicy grilled chicken breasts, you'll need:

• Kosher salt: Used to brine the chicken for a juicy, flavorful result.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This preparation can also be used for other cuts of meat; adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness and type.
• Nashville-Style Hot Sauce, Ginger-Garlic-Chile Sauce, or Sweet Heat Brown Sugar Sauce: Recipes below, or swap with your favorite store-bought sauce.
• Olive oil: Coats the chicken for even browning.
• Black pepper: Adds a hint of peppery spice.
  

How To Make Spicy Grilled Chicken Breasts

Are you ready to conquer perfect grilled chicken once and for all? Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Brine the chicken: Brine chicken in a combination of water and salt. Chill, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• Step 2. Prepare the grill: Preheat grill to high on one side and medium-low on other side.
• Step 3. Make your sauce: Prepare sauce of your choosing. Set aside several tablespoons.
• Step 4. Cook chicken: Pat chicken dry, then coat with oil and pepper. Grill on hot side for a few minutes, then flip and place on cooler side of grill. Cook until 160°F on the interior.
• Step 5. Add sauce: Brush each breast with some sauce a few minutes into cooking. Transfer to a plate; cover and rest 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with remaining sauce, if desired.

Alternatively, you can use a grill pan on the stove. You'll lose a bit of the smoky flavor a grill imparts, but it's a great solution if you don't have a grill or don't want to fire it up on a weeknight. Preheat the grill pan to medium-high heat to get a good sear. Then lower it slightly to finish cooking.

Can I Make Spicy Grilled Chicken With Thighs Instead of Breasts?

This brine and grill method will work with any cut of chicken. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the cut and whether they're bone-in versus boneless.

Our Tips for the Most Tender and Juicy Grilled Chicken

For the juiciest, most tender grilled chicken, keep these tips in mind:

• Don't skip the brine: The saltwater solution tenderizes the meat, adds flavor, and helps the chicken breasts retain moisture after cooking.
• Two heat levels: For a crisp crust, start with high heat, then move to a lower temperature to cook through without charring.
• Remove at 160°F: As the meat rests, it will reach the recommended 165°F without overcooking.
• Baste with sauce when directed: The sugars present in sauces can cause them to burn if cooked for too long.
• Let the meat rest: Resting allows the chicken to reach the right internal temperature and for the juices to redistribute before cutting.

What To Serve With Spicy Grilled Chicken Breasts

Once you've mastered this perfect technique for brining and grilling chicken breasts, the sauce possibilities are endless. Channel the spirit of Nashville Hot Chicken with our Nashville-Style Hot Sauce, opt for our aromatic Spicy-Ginger Garlic Sauce, or stick with a Southern classic: Sweet Heat Brown Sugar Sauce. The recipes are below—choose just one sauce or try all three. No matter which way you turn, you can't go wrong.

The beauty of grilled chicken breasts is that they can be paired with just about any side dish. Try serving with any of these favorites, depending on the sauce you choose to work with:

• Roasted Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
• Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad
• Smashed Baby Red Potatoes
  
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Spicy Pineapple Slaw
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
• Buttered Noodles

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Breasts

Refrigerate leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout before serving.

Looking to upgrade those leftovers? Use in pasta dishes, paninis, pitas, sandwiches, salads, and more.

More Grilled Chicken Recipes You'll Love

You can never have too many grilled chicken recipes in your arsenal:

• Beer Can Chicken
• Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings
• Grilled Curried Chicken Thighs with Charred-Vegetable Rice
• Chicken Under a Brick

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.