Introduction
Barbecuing chicken on a grill can be tricky business. With such a lean meat, it’s easy for the chicken to dry out or burn if not cooked properly. One great solution is using a barbecue chicken rack, also known as a poultry roaster. This allows the chicken to cook evenly while remaining incredibly moist and flavorful.
Chicken barbecue racks come in a variety of styles, but they all serve the same helpful purpose – elevating the chicken above the grill grates so it’s not sitting directly on the heat. The racks allow the hot air to circulate completely around the chicken while the fat and juices baste the meat from within.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to make DIY barbecue chicken racks for grilling the perfect bird.
Benefits of Using Chicken BBQ Racks
There are several excellent reasons to utilize barbecue racks when cooking chicken on your grill:
- Prevents burnt spots – With the chicken elevated, it won’t burn or char on the hot grill grates. The hot air will surround the entire surface of the chicken.
- Promotes even cooking – Heat will distribute evenly around all sides of the chicken, preventing undercooked areas.
- Allows fat to drain – Excess fat renders and drips away rather than flaring up and burning the meat. This also reduces the likelihood of flare ups.
- Keeps meat moist – As the chicken’s fat renders, it continually bastes the meat and prevents it from drying out.
- Easy to flip and rotate – The rack provides a convenient handle to effortlessly maneuver and turn the chicken.
- Versatile shapes – Racks can be fashioned into various shapes like birds or other fun designs.
Choosing a Material
The first step in making DIY barbecue chicken racks is selecting what you want to construct them out of. Here are some of the most popular options:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the best materials for grilling racks. It’s durable, conducts heat well, easy to clean, and won’t impart any metallic flavors onto the chicken. Stainless steel rods or a barbecue skewer frame can both work excellently.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is another terrific choice for barbecue racks. It gets hot evenly, produces great sear marks, and is simple to maintain. Be sure to season the cast iron well first.
Aluminum
Aluminum foil is a quick, disposable way to fashion racks. Fold sheets of heavy duty foil into the desired shapes. The soft metal is pliable and will hold its form once molded.
Ceramic
Ceramic racks are attractive and durable options that won’t rust. Ensure the ceramic can withstand high grill temperatures without cracking.
Chrome Plated Steel
Steel racks coated in chrome offer an affordable alternative to stainless steel. They conduct heat efficiently. Look for sturdy welded construction.
No matter which material you select, be sure it can safely handle the high heat of grilling without releasing any harmful chemicals. Also opt for food-safe materials that won’t impart metallic flavors.
Designing the Shape
Another consideration when making your own barbecue chicken rack is the shape you’d like it to take. Here are some interesting options to consider:
Bird Shape
Bending the rack into the shape of a chicken with wings and a head is a fun way to embrace the poultry theme. Stainless steel rods work well for shaping a wireframe chicken.
Flat
A basic flat rectangular rack is the easiest to make. Simply construct a square frame and lay parallel rods across it. Having multiple levels allows you to cook more chicken at once.
V-Shape
Bending the rack into a downward V shape allows the chicken to sit at an angle, ensuring fat drains away and the skin cooks evenly.
Circle
A circular rack maximizes airflow and provides even heating all around the chicken. Bend rods into circular rows.
Drumsticks
Fashion individual drumstick shaped racks out of foil to cook chicken legs in their own separate holders.
Kabobs
Thread chicken chunks onto skewers across a wide stainless steel frame for kabobs that allow smoke to penetrate from all sides.
The shape you select may depend on how much chicken you wish to cook at one time and what aesthetics you prefer. Get creative with the designs!
How to Construct a Basic Rack
Now let’s go over the steps involved in actually constructing a simple DIY barbecue chicken rack:
Materials Needed
- Stainless steel rods, about 1/4 inch thick (or material of choice)
- Welder or high-temp wire/rods for tying
- Fireproof gloves
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Protective eyewear
Directions
- Cut the stainless steel rods into 4 equal lengths about 2 inches longer than the chicken. These will form the frame.
- Bend 2 of the rods into a rectangular shape. Connect the ends together by welding or wrapping tightly with high-temp wire.
- Attach the remaining 2 rods parallel to each other across the frame about 1-2 inches apart. Weld/wire these in place.
- Cut thinner rods that will run perpendicular across the length of the frame. Make enough to allow 1-2 inches between each.
- Weld or tie these thinner cross rods into place along the frame. Ensure they are secured tightly.
- Test the rack for stability and integrity at high temperatures before using on a grill.
Follow safety precautions like gloves and eyewear when welding or cutting steel. Make any desired adjustments to the size and spacing as needed to fit your chicken. And feel free to get creative with the shape beyond a basic rectangle.
Cooking on Your Chicken Rack
Once you’ve constructed your rack, seasoning and cooking the chicken is easy. Follow these tips for the juiciest barbecued bird:
- Pat the chicken dry and coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Get seasoning into every crevice.
- Place the chicken breast-side up onto the rack. Tie legs together with butcher’s twine if needed.
- Preheat grill to medium heat, around 350-375°F. Sear the chicken over direct heat for about 10 minutes per side.
- Move rack to indirect heat, close grill lid, and finish cooking, monitoring temperature until it reaches 165°F internally in the thickest part.
- Baste frequently with barbecue sauce during the last 10-15 minutes to nicely glaze the outside.
- Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
The barbecue chicken rack allows for even, gentle cooking which keeps the meat incredibly moist and infuses it with juicy smoky flavor. Enjoy your homemade creation!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken BBQ Racks
What are the benefits of using a barbecue chicken rack?
Chicken racks provide many advantages when grilling, including even heat distribution, better drainage of fat, easier maneuvering, and prevention of burnt spots by keeping the poultry elevated above the grill grates.
What is the best material for a DIY chicken rack?
Stainless steel is one of the best choices, but cast iron, aluminum foil, ceramic, and chrome plated steel can also work well. Opt for food-safe materials able to withstand high heat.
What are some unique rack shapes beyond just a rectangle?
Get creative with shapes like birds, circles, V-shapes, kabobs, flat multiple levels, drumsicks, etc. Match the design to how much chicken you want to cook.
How far apart should the rack rods be spaced?
About 1-2 inches is ideal between the parallel rods and cross rods. This leaves sufficient room for airflow while still supporting the chicken. Adjust spacing as needed.
How can I ensure the chicken doesn’t burn on the barbecue rack?
Use indirect heat rather than direct, keep temperatures around 350-375°F, and baste frequently. This allows the fat to render slowly and prevents burning or charring.
What is the minimum internal temperature chicken should reach?
165°F in the thickest part of the meat is the recommended safe minimum temperature for cooked chicken. Check with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
Barbecuing chicken on racks truly makes for the most tender, juicy, and flavorful results every time. Now that you know the techniques for constructing your own racks plus tips for cooking the perfect bird, you’re ready for amazing barbecue. Get creative with designing racks and wow your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy the fun and pride that comes with DIY projects. The fresh air and aroma of barbecue are calling!