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Grilled chicken is a healthy addition to your diet. It's low in calories and a good source of potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron and B-vitamins. However, there are some concerns when it comes to grilling chicken. Cooking poultry at temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the formation of toxic compounds that can be hazardous to your health.

How you cook your food is just as important as what you eat. This post covers the best ways to cook grilled chicken so that it's tasty, juicy and healthy.

Why Grilling Temperatures Matter

According to the Natural Cancer Institute, cooking meat at high temperatures can alter its composition and encourage the formation of toxic compounds. Heterocyclic amines (HCAs), for example, are carcinogens. HCAs tend to form when grilling or frying meat at high temperatures. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are just as dangerous and can occur in smoked foods.

Fortunately, there are ways to grill chicken in a healthy manner while still getting the delicate taste and texture you love. And, you reap the benefits of a healthy meal since griling does not use butter, oil and other fats. The key is to grill your chicken on lower temperatures and turn the meat over frequently. You'll also want to remove charred parts before serving.

Best Way to Cook Chicken on the Grill

Grilled chicken is a staple when the weather turns warm. Here's a simple but tasty recipe for fresh chicken off the grill. Choose your favorite marinade and pay attention to your cooking temperatures and you'll have a healthy meal that everyone will love!

  • Choose your chicken. When shopping for chicken, always look at the "best by" date. Note the chicken's coloring, looking for chicken that has a pink, fleshy-colored hue.
  • Pound the chicken. For quick and even cooking, we recommend pounding the chicken till it's ½ inch thick. This is especially important for breasts since they're often different sizes.
  • Marinate the chicken. Choose a chicken marinade recipe that will give you the taste you're looking for. Marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes while you're prepping the sides. This is enough time to add flavor and keep the chicken juicy.
  • Grill the chicken. The last step is to grill the chicken. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side. Wings or drumsticks need about 8-12 minutes on each side and thighs need about 10-15 minutes on each side.

Take the Night Off and Order from La Rosa Chicken and Grill

Grilling chicken is a fast and efficient way to get a healthy meal on the table. Pair it with your favorite side dishes and you'll have a complete meal in under 30 minutes! For nights when you don't want to cook, visit La Rosa Chicken and Grill. We give careful attention to our cooking methods and temperatures, ensuring the tastiest, juiciest and healthiest chicken around!

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