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Ninja Foodi Grill Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast is going to be the highlight of your week. Tender and juicy chicken that is flavored to perfection. Serve with any of your favorite side dishes and you have a healthy dinner ready in no time! 

Marinating chicken breast is one of my favorite things to do. With my Ninja Foodi Grill it can be snowing outside and I still can serve up our favorite grilled chicken. Beautiful markings, rich flavor, and juicy as can be. 

Grilled Chicken Breasts 

Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to this recipe. Then the garlic, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar all are just perfectly paired together. This is literally the best chicken marinade for grilled chicken. Plus you have to check out my pork marinade, and steak marinade I use! You won’t want to miss those either! 

How Do You Grill Chicken And Keep It Moist 

Marinating your chicken is the key to getting moist and juicy chicken. I know that might sound crazy but it is true. You want to marinate the chicken to really lock in flavor and prevent it from drying as it cooks. This recipe is spot on for both. So take the time and allow your chicken to really marinate in this mixture. 

What If My Chicken Breasts Are Extra Thick 

Sometimes you find chicken breasts that are rather large in size. Sometimes you find with grilling the chicken overcooks on the outside and can be undercooked in the center. So what I recommend is either cutting the chicken in half, so it is thinner before you marinate it. Or you can place it in between plastic wrap and use a rolling pin to help flatten the chicken a bit. 

That way when you toss on the Ninja Foodi Grill you can get an even cook. Have you ever noticed where chicken is wider in certain spots, by flattening it out you get a more even cook and ensure all the chicken is properly cooked? 

How To Make Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast On Your Ninja Foodi Grill

• In a bowl mix together oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic & salt & pepper. Set aside 1/4 cup to use later when serving.

• If your breasts are super thick and or uneven in thickness, put between saran wrap and beat until even and less thick. Or cut in half, creating 2 less thick breasts. 
• Poke breasts with a fork creating little pockets for the marinade to soak into.

• Put your breasts into the marinade and let marinate for at least 20 minutes.

• Insert removable cooking pot. Insert the grill grate into your pot.
• Press the grill button, set the temperature to MEDIUM, and set the time to 25 minutes.
• Once “Add Food” flashes, add the chicken breasts onto the grill, and close the lid.

• At 8-10 minutes (depending on how thick) open the grill and flip the meat, closing the grill once again.

• Cook for another 5 minutes, open the lid and baste the chicken with more marinade.

• Cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Start to check the internal temp to make sure you are not starting to overcook. You want to have an internal temp of 165 degrees.
• Flip meat one last time and baste one more time. Cook as long as needed until you reach your internal temp of 165 degrees.
• Allow meat to rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

What To Pair With Grilled Chicken Breasts 

• Pasta Salads
• Cucumber Salad 
• Potato Dishes 
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower (for a lower-carb option) 
• Pasta dish sides 
• Baked Beans
• Rice dishes
• etc

You will find this chicken recipe is highly versatile. Pair with any of your favorite side dishes. Reach for total comfort food or opt for a lighter side if you want a healthier dinner idea. 

What Temperature Does Chicken Need To Reach Internally To Be Safe 

Cooking chicken is always something you need a meat thermometer for. You will want to place the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. Make sure you get it in the chicken so it can truly gauge the temp. Chicken needs to be cooked to 165 degrees. Some people will pull chicken off at 160 degrees, let it sit, and then re-check to ensure it rises to 165. 

What If I Don’t Have A Ninja Foodi Grill

 Make this grilled chicken anytime. Feel free to also toss it on your outside grill if you don’t own a Ninja Foodi. It will work the same. I find that pellet grills and propane are nice since you can control the temperature a bit more than a wood fire. Either way, you can still cook this without a Ninja Foodi Grill. 

Photo by Mateusz Dach: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-fire-1275691/

Can I make these in my Ninja Foodi?

Yes, you sure can.  Just keep reading below and you will find detailed directions in the notes section of the recipe card.  Enjoy!

How To Clean Ninja Foodi Grill

Cleaning your Ninja Foodi Grill is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean it:

After Each Use:

1. Unplug the Grill:

   • Before cleaning, make sure the Ninja Foodi Grill is unplugged and has cooled down.

2. Remove Grates and Drip Tray:

   • Take out the cooking grates and the drip tray. These are usually dishwasher safe, but you can hand wash them with warm, soapy water as well.

3. Wipe Down Interior:

   • Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe down the interior surfaces of the grill to remove any food residue. Be gentle to avoid damaging the non-stick coating.

4. Empty the Grease Cup:

   • Dispose of any accumulated grease in the grease cup. Rinse it with warm water and soap.

5. Clean Exterior:

   • Wipe down the exterior of the Ninja Foodi Grill with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning solution.

Periodic Cleaning:

1. Clean the Heating Element:

   • Allow the grill to cool completely. Gently brush or vacuum the heating element to remove any debris.

2. Remove and Clean the Hood:

   • If your Ninja Foodi Grill has a removable hood, take it off and clean it with a damp cloth. Do not immerse it in water or put it in the dishwasher.

3. Clean the Air Intake Vent:

   • Use a vacuum or a brush to clean the air intake vent to ensure proper airflow.

4. Check for Grease Buildup:

   • Periodically check for any grease buildup on the interior walls of the grill. Wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Deep Cleaning:

1. Soak Grease Filter:

   • If your Ninja Foodi Grill has a removable grease filter, soak it in warm, soapy water. Gently scrub off any residue.

2. Clean the Exterior Thoroughly:

   • For stubborn stains on the exterior, use a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.

3. Inspect the Power Cord:

   • Regularly check the power cord for any damage. If you notice any issues, contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

Remember to consult your Ninja Foodi Grill’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions and to ensure that you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Always allow the grill to cool before cleaning, and never submerge electrical components in water.

Tips & Tricks

1. Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly on the Ninja Foodi Grill, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or quick meals.

2. Pound the Chicken Breasts: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling. This ensures that they cook uniformly and prevents dry spots.

3. Season Generously: Season the chicken breasts liberally with your favorite dry rub or marinade to add flavor. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling for best results.

4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your Ninja Foodi Grill on the grill setting for at least 10 minutes before adding the chicken breasts. A hot grill ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and develops a nice sear on the outside.

5. Use the Grill Grate: Place the chicken breasts directly on the grill grate of the Ninja Foodi Grill. Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks.

6. Grill with Lid Closed: For juicy and flavorful chicken breasts, grill with the lid closed as much as possible. This helps trap heat and smoke, cooking the chicken evenly while infusing it with smoky flavor.

7. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

8. Rest Before Serving: Allow the grilled chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken.

9. Add a Finishing Touch: Before serving, brush the grilled chicken breasts with a flavorful sauce or glaze for an extra burst of flavor. Whether it’s barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a simple herb butter, a finishing touch can take your grilled chicken to the next level.

If you like this recipe, check these out too!

• Ninja Foodi Grill Juicy Grilled Chicken Breasts
• Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi Frozen Turkey Breast & Mashed Potatoes
• Ninja Foodi Grill Juicy Pork Chops
• Ninja Foodi Cowboy Sausage Dip
• Ninja Foodi Grill Bacon

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