How To Grill Chicken On Stove Top

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Introduction

Grilling chicken on a stove top can be a convenient and delicious way to enjoy your favorite protein. Whether you don’t have access to an outdoor grill or simply prefer the ease of indoor cooking, a stove top grill can help you achieve that smoky, charred flavor right in your own kitchen.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to grill chicken on a stove top, from preparing the chicken to serving it up on your plate. With a few simple tips and techniques, you can master the art of stove top grilling and create delectable chicken dishes that will impress your family and friends.

So, let’s fire up the burners and get grilling!

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Before you start grilling your chicken on the stove top, it’s essential to properly prepare the chicken to ensure flavor, tenderness, and safety. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Trim excess fat: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken pieces. This will help prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.
2. Rinse and pat dry: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any residue and ensures a crispier skin.
3. Season the chicken: Season the chicken with your preferred spices and seasonings. You can go for simple salt and pepper or get creative with a blend of herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or thyme. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken pieces for maximum flavor.
4. Pound thicker pieces: If you have thicker chicken breasts, consider pounding them gently with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. This will help them cook more quickly and evenly.
5. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature: Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling. This allows the chicken to cook more evenly and helps prevent dryness.

By taking the time to properly prepare the chicken, you will ensure a flavorful and tender result when it’s time to grill. Now that the chicken is ready, it’s time to move on to marination.

Step 2: Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in adding flavor and moisture to your grilled chicken. By allowing the chicken to marinate, you can infuse it with a variety of flavors and enhance its tenderness. Here’s how to marinate the chicken for stove top grilling:

1. Choose a marinade: Start by selecting a marinade that complements the flavors of your chicken. You can opt for pre-made marinades available at the store or create your own using ingredients like olive oil, herbs, spices, citrus juices, or yogurt. Be creative and experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
2. Place the chicken in the marinade: Put the prepared chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a container with a lid. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and place it in the refrigerator.
3. Marinate for the recommended time: Different proteins require different marinating times. While chicken can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes, it is best to marinate it for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4. Turn the chicken: If you have the time, it’s a good idea to flip the chicken pieces halfway through the marinating process. This ensures that both sides of the chicken get an even distribution of flavors.
5. Remove the chicken from marinade: When you are ready to grill the chicken, remove it from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Let the excess marinade drip off the chicken before placing it on the stove top grill.

Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize it. The longer the marinating time, the more pronounced the flavors will be. Now that your chicken is well marinated, it’s time to move on to the next step: preheating the stove top grill.

Step 3: Preheating the Stove Top Grill

Preheating the stove top grill is an important step to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops that desirable charred exterior. Here’s how to preheat your stove top grill:

1. Choose the right grill pan: Select a grill pan suitable for stove top grilling. Look for a pan with ridges or grill marks to mimic the appearance of an outdoor grill.
2. Preheat the grill pan: Place the grill pan on the stove top over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to heat up for a few minutes until it is hot. You can test the heat by splashing a few drops of water on the pan – if it sizzles and evaporates quickly, the pan is ready.
3. Lightly oil the grill: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill pan, lightly oil the hot grill grates with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Use a brush or a folded paper towel to evenly coat the grates.
4. Control the heat: Adjust the heat to medium once the grill pan is preheated. This will help prevent the chicken from burning or cooking too quickly.

By preheating the stove top grill, you create a hot surface for the chicken to cook on, allowing those delicious grill marks to form. With the grill pan heated and ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: cooking the chicken.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

Now that your stove top grill is preheated, it’s time to cook the chicken to perfection. Follow these steps to ensure juicy and delicious grilled chicken:

1. Place the chicken on the grill: Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot grill pan. Be sure to leave some space between the pieces to allow for even cooking.
2. Cook on one side: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes on one side. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. For boneless chicken breasts, cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. For bone-in chicken, it may take a bit longer, around 10-12 minutes per side.
3. Flip the chicken: Once the chicken develops grill marks and releases easily from the grill, it’s time to flip it over. Use tongs to carefully turn each piece of chicken to the other side.
4. Cook on the other side: Allow the chicken to cook on the other side for the same amount of time as the first side. This ensures that both sides are evenly cooked and have a nice charred exterior.
5. Baste with marinade or sauce (optional): If desired, you can baste the chicken with additional marinade or sauce during the cooking process. Brush it on the chicken a few minutes before it is done and continue cooking.

It’s important to monitor the cooking process closely to avoid overcooking the chicken. Remember, chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. Once the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to move on to the next step: checking for doneness.

Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will add flavor and keep the chicken moist while cooking on the stove top.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

Checking for the doneness of your grilled chicken is a crucial step to ensure that it is cooked all the way through and safe to eat. Here’s how to determine if your chicken is done:

1. Use a meat thermometer: The most accurate way to check if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) for the chicken to be considered safe to eat.
2. Check the juices: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check the juices that come out of the chicken when you press into it. If the juices run clear and there is no pinkness, it is a good indication that the chicken is cooked through.
3. Check the texture: Another way to determine doneness is by checking the texture of the chicken. The meat should feel firm to the touch and not rubbery. If it feels springy, it may require additional cooking time.

It’s important to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to avoid any risk of foodborne illnesses. Once you have confirmed that the chicken is cooked through, it’s time for the next step: letting the chicken rest.

Step 6: Letting the Chicken Rest

Allowing the grilled chicken to rest after cooking is a crucial step that helps retain its juices and ensures a more flavorful and tender result. Here’s why and how to let the chicken rest:

Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent and juicy final product. It also helps the chicken to firm up slightly, making it easier to handle and prevent the juices from running out when you cut into it.

1. Remove from the heat: Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature and is fully cooked, remove it from the heat source and transfer it to a clean plate or cutting board.
2. Cover with foil: Tent the grilled chicken loosely with aluminum foil. This covering helps to retain heat and moisture, keeping the chicken warm while it rests.
3. Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to equalize throughout the meat.

Resist the temptation to cut into the chicken immediately after it comes off the grill. Cutting into it too soon will cause the juices to escape, resulting in drier meat. By letting the chicken rest, you will be rewarded with a more tender and flavorful meal.

Once the chicken has rested, it’s time for the final step: serving the grilled chicken.

Step 7: Serving the Grilled Chicken

Now that your grilled chicken is perfectly cooked and well-rested, it’s time to plate it up and enjoy all your hard work. Here’s how to serve your delicious stove top grilled chicken:

1. Slice or leave whole: Depending on your preference, you can either leave the chicken pieces whole or slice them into smaller portions. If slicing, use a sharp knife and cut across the grain to ensure the most tender bites.
2. Garnish with herbs and spices: Add a final touch to your grilled chicken by garnishing it with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
3. Serve with sides: Grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous. These sides will complement the flavors of the chicken and create a well-balanced meal.
4. Add a sauce or dip: If desired, you can enhance the flavors of the grilled chicken by serving it with a side of your favorite sauce or dip. Whether it’s a tangy barbecue sauce, a creamy garlic aioli, or a zesty tzatziki, the choice is yours.
5. Enjoy! Sit down, take a moment to appreciate your culinary creation, and enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken. Share the dish with your family and friends, and savor the flavors of your stove top cooking.

Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future enjoyment. Grilled chicken makes great additions to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more.

Congratulations! You have successfully grilled chicken on a stove top and are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to create delicious meals in the comfort of your kitchen.

So go ahead, savor the flavors, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!

Conclusion

Grilling chicken on a stove top is a fantastic alternative for those without access to an outdoor grill or for those who simply prefer the convenience of indoor cooking. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create flavorful, tender, and perfectly grilled chicken right in your own kitchen.

From the preparation and marination of the chicken to preheating and cooking it on the stove top grill, each step is important in achieving delicious results. Remember to take the time to trim and season the chicken, allowing it to marinate for maximum flavor. Additionally, preheating the grill and cooking the chicken to the correct internal temperature are key to obtaining juicy and succulent meat.

Don’t forget the importance of letting the chicken rest after cooking. This step helps the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.

Once your grilled chicken is ready, get creative with serving options. Slice or leave the chicken whole, garnish it with fresh herbs, and pair it with complementary sides and sauces for a complete and satisfying meal.

With the knowledge and techniques shared in this article, you can confidently grill chicken on a stove top, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills. So, fire up that stove top grill, enjoy the tantalizing aroma, and savor each bite of your deliciously grilled chicken!