Cooking chicken on a griddle is a quick and easy way to make delicious, juicy chicken for things like fajitas, sandwiches, or just plain chicken breast. The key is knowing how long to cook chicken on a griddle to ensure it’s fully cooked through without drying out. Here’s a guide to how long you should cook chicken on a griddle based on thickness and type of chicken.
How Thick is Chicken When Cooking on a Griddle?
The thickness of the chicken pieces will determine how long they need to cook on the griddle. Here are the general thicknesses for different cuts of chicken:
- Chicken breasts: Usually between 1/2 to 1 inch thick
- Chicken tenders/strips: Around 1/2 inch thick
- Boneless chicken thighs: Around 3/4 to 1 inch thick
- Chicken legs or wings: Can vary depending on size, around 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts and tenders, pound them to an even thickness before cooking for even cooking. For chicken thighs and legs, the bone adds extra thickness to account for.
Cook Times for Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are a popular choice for cooking on the griddle. Here is how long you should cook chicken breasts on a griddle based on thickness:
| Thickness of Chicken Breast | Cook Time on Griddle |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 4-6 minutes per side |
| 3/4 inch | 6-8 minutes per side |
| 1 inch | 8-10 minutes per side |
For chicken breasts pounded to an even 1/2 inch thickness, cook for 5 minutes on the first side, flip, then continue cooking for 3-5 minutes on the second side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cook Times for Chicken Tenders/Strips
Chicken tenders and strips are ideal for the griddle and cook quickly. Cook times are:
| Thickness of Tenders | Cook Time on Griddle |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 2-4 minutes per side |
Flip the tenders once during cooking until lightly charred and cooked through, around 3 minutes per side. The time will vary slightly based on the size of the tenders. Smaller tenders may take 2-3 minutes per side while larger strips may need 4 minutes.
Cook Times for Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs cook up juicier than breasts on the griddle. Cook times are:
| Thickness of Chicken Thighs | Cook Time on Griddle |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 8-10 minutes per side |
| 3/4 inch | 10-12 minutes per side |
| 1 inch | 12-14 minutes per side |
For best results, sear the thighs skin-side down first to get a nice crispy skin. Cook until browned before flipping and finishing cooking on the second side until 165°F internally. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Cook Times for Chicken Legs and Wings
Chicken legs and wings will take a bit longer than other cuts since they contain bones. Cook times are:
| Chicken Part | Thickness | Cook Time on Griddle |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken legs | 1 1/2 inches | 15-18 minutes per side |
| Chicken wings | 1 inch | 12-15 minutes per side |
For best flavor, cook the legs and wings skin-side down first to get the skin crispy before flipping. Cook until the juices run clear and the internal temperature is 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Cooking Chicken on a Griddle
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked chicken on the griddle every time:
- Pat chicken dry before cooking so it browns well.
- Use a little oil or cooking spray to keep it from sticking.
- Get the griddle hot before adding chicken – heat to medium or medium-high.
- Don’t move chicken too early or it will stick. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before fliping.
- Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip. Avoid piercing with a fork.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to reabsorb.
Cooking Thicker Chicken Pieces
For very thick chicken breasts, thighs, or legs over 1 1/2 inches thick, you may want to finish cooking them in the oven. Here are some tips:
- Sear both sides on the hot griddle first to get a nice browned crust.
- Finish cooking in a 375°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- The oven time will vary based on thickness – usually 15-25 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest at least 5-10 minutes before serving.
This prevents very thick pieces from overcooking on the outside before the inside is cooked through. The stovetop sear gives you that nice griddled flavor.
Common Griddle Chicken Recipes and Cook Times
Here are estimated griddle cook times for popular griddled chicken dishes:
| Chicken Dish | Cook Time on Griddle |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken fajitas | 8-10 minutes total |
| Chicken kabobs | 12-15 minutes total |
| Chicken burgers | 6-8 minutes per side |
| Honey mustard chicken | 5-6 minutes per side |
| BBQ chicken | 8-10 minutes per side |
| Blackened chicken | 10 minutes per side |
| Teriyaki chicken | 8-10 minutes total |
| Grilled chicken sandwiches | 6 minutes per side |
Keep in mind cook times may vary a bit based on thickness of chicken and preferred doneness. Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe 165°F internally.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways for how long to cook chicken on the griddle:
- Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Thinner cuts like breasts and tenders take 4-8 minutes per side.
- Thicker cuts like thighs and legs take 8-15 minutes per side.
- Bone-in pieces take longer than boneless.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciest results.
- Use a thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken on a griddle makes for quick, easy and delicious weeknight meals or backyard BBQs. Keeping cooking times based on the thickness and cut of chicken is key to perfect results. A good rule of thumb is around 4-6 minutes per side for thin cuts like breasts and tenders, and 8-15 minutes for thicker cuts like thighs and legs. Always cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Use a digital food thermometer to guarantee your griddle chicken is cooked through and as juicy as can be. With the proper cook times and temperature, you’ll have tasty griddled chicken in no time.