Quick Answer
Yes, it is recommended to let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, resulting in a moister and more evenly cooked chicken.
Why Should You Rest Chicken After Grilling?
There are a few key reasons why letting your grilled chicken rest before eating is important:
Allows Juices to Redistribute
When chicken is exposed to high heat on the grill, the proteins contract and squeeze juices out to the surface. If you cut into chicken right after grilling, these juices will spill out and be lost. Resting gives the proteins a chance to relax and reabsorb the juices back into the meat.
Evens Out the Internal Temperature
The outer surfaces of chicken cook faster than the inside when grilling. Letting the chicken rest allows time for the inside to finish cooking gently through carryover cooking. This helps even out the temperature throughout the meat so you don’t end up with undercooked centers.
Makes the Meat More Tender
As chicken cooks, heat causes collagen in the meat to contract. Resting allows these protein fibers to relax again, resulting in a more tender texture.
Intensifies the Flavor
As the chicken rests, juices are reabsorbed back into the meat. This helps intensify the flavor instead of losing juices onto the cutting board.
How Long Should You Rest Chicken After Grilling?
The ideal rest time for grilled chicken is 5-10 minutes. Here are some more specific guidelines based on the thickness and type of chicken:
| Type of Chicken | Recommended Rest Time |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 5 minutes |
| Bone-in chicken pieces | 10 minutes |
| Whole chickens | 10-15 minutes |
Chicken thighs and legs with bones and thicker cuts require a longer resting time than boneless breasts. Whole chickens also benefit from resting longer to allow heat to distribute evenly and thoroughly cook the thighs and breast meat.
For food safety, do not let chicken rest for longer than 15-20 minutes after grilling before serving. Keep the chicken out of the temperature danger zone of 40-140°F.
How to Rest Chicken After Grilling
Follow these simple steps for properly resting your grilled chicken:
Step 1: Transfer Chicken to a Clean Platter
As soon as the chicken is done grilling, use tongs to move it from the grill grates to a clean platter or sheet pan. Do not stack the chicken – lay pieces out in a single layer so steam can escape.
Step 2: Tent Loosely with Foil
Loosely cover the chicken with a sheet of aluminum foil. The foil traps in heat and creates a warm environment for the chicken to rest. Avoid wrapping the foil tightly, as you want steam to be able to escape.
Step 3: Let Sit for 5-10 Minutes
Let the chicken rest untouched for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. Smaller boneless breasts need less time than a whole cut-up chicken.
Step 4: Discard Juices
Some juices may accumulate under the foil as the chicken rests. Carefully pour these off before serving, as they will be more diluted than the concentrated juices that redistribute back into the meat.
Step 5: Carve and Serve
Once rested, the chicken is ready to carve and serve! Be sure to slice against the grain of the meat for tenderest results.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for optimally juicy and flavorful chicken after grilling:
– Do not slice into the chicken to check if it is done. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part instead. Piercing the meat will cause juices to run out.
– Transfer the chicken from the grill to a platter quickly, and cover soon after to trap in heat. The longer chicken sits uncovered, the more heat will escape.
– For whole chickens or bone-in pieces, let rest for the full 10-15 minutes recommended. The bones help retain heat longer.
– For boneless breasts, tent with foil but leave one corner open to allow some steam to escape so the chicken doesn’t end up steaming itself.
– For marinated chicken, reserve a bit of excess marinade to brush over the chicken just before serving. This adds back surface moisture and flavor.
Common Resting Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes when resting grilled chicken:
– Skipping resting altogether – chicken will be drier and less tender.
– Resting too long – chicken can overcook and get cold. Follow recommended times.
– Covering too tightly with foil – chicken will steam and get soggy instead of crispy.
– Cutting into chicken on the grill to test for doneness – juices will spill out.
– Not pouring off collected juices before serving – meat will be watered down.
– Stacking chicken pieces – impedes steam from escaping properly.
Conclusion
Letting your grilled chicken rest before eating is one of the best ways to ensure tender, juicy results with perfectly cooked meat. Follow the guidelines on recommended rest times, and avoid common mistakes like tightly wrapping in foil or cutting into the chicken right off the grill. With just 5-10 minutes of patience after grilling, you’ll be rewarded with plump, flavorful chicken ready to enjoy.