Cooking chicken on the barbecue is a great way to add flavor and keep the meat moist and juicy. However, properly prepping and parcooking the chicken before throwing it on the grill is key. Undercooking chicken can lead to foodborne illnesses, while overcooking results in dry, rubbery meat. So how long should you pre cook chicken before finishing it on the barbecue? Here is a detailed guide to help you figure out the perfect pre cook time for chicken on the grill.
Factors that Determine Pre Cook Time for Chicken Before BBQ
Several factors impact how long you need to parcook chicken before moving it to the grill:
Size and Thickness of Chicken Pieces
- Boneless chicken breasts and tenders require less time than bone-in thighs and drumsticks.
- Similarly, thinner cuts like butterfly breasts need shorter pre cook times than thick, full chicken breasts.
- For accurate doneness, check each piece individually instead of cooking everything for the same duration.
Cooking Method for Pre Cook
- Chicken can be parcooked by pan frying, baking, poaching, or grilling before finishing on the barbecue.
- Grilling before grilling again requires the least time. Pan frying or baking needs longer.
- Poaching chicken keeps it very moist but takes the most time to pre cook.
Desired Doneness and Safety
- Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F for it to be safe to eat.
- If you like your chicken cooked until just done, remove it from the pre cook heat at 155°F. For well done, go up to 165°F.
- When in doubt, err on the longer side. You can quickly sear partially cooked chicken on the grill.
Use of Bone-In or Boneless Cuts
- Bone-in chicken retains more moisture during grilling. Pre cook it for a shorter time.
- Boneless cuts dry out faster. Parcook them longer to render fat and shorten grill time.
- For whole chickens, check the internal temperature of both the breast and thigh areas.
How Long to Pre Cook Different Cuts of Chicken Before BBQ
Here are some general guidelines for how long you should pre cook common chicken parts before finishing on the barbecue:
Whole Chicken
- Grilling Whole: 1 hour 10 minutes (breast at 155°F, thighs at 165°F)
- Poaching Whole: 45-60 minutes (until breast is 155°F and thighs 165°F)
Chicken Breasts
- Boneless Breasts: Bake at 375°F or pan fry for 7-12 minutes per side until 155°F internally.
- Bone-In Breasts: Bake at 375°F or pan fry for 18-25 minutes per side until 155°F.
Chicken Thighs and Legs
- Boneless Thighs: Bake at 375°F or pan fry for 10-14 minutes per side until 165°F.
- Bone-In Thighs: Bake at 375°F or pan fry for 22-28 minutes per side until 165°F.
- Drumsticks: Bake at 375°F or pan fry for 26-32 minutes until 165°F.
Chicken Wings
- Whole Wings: Bake at 375°F or pan fry for 18-22 minutes until lightly browned.
- Wing Sections: Bake at 375°F or pan fry for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips for Grilling Pre Cooked Chicken Perfectly
Follow these tips for succulent, flavorful grilled chicken after parcooking:
- Quickly Sear: Grill parcooked chicken over high heat just long enough to char and caramelize the outside. Avoid overcooking.
- Skin Side Down First: Grilling skin side down keeps the meat juicy. Crisp the skin before flipping.
- Brush Oil or Sauce: Coating the chicken pieces with oil or barbecue sauce prevents sticking. Apply after searing.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches a safe 165°F at the thickest section.
- Let It Rest: Letting the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving allows juices to redistribute evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre Cook Time for Chicken Before BBQ
How long should I pre cook chicken breasts before grilling?
For bone-in chicken breasts, pre cook for 18-25 minutes per side at 375°F in the oven or pan-fried until they reach an internal temperature of 155°F. Boneless breasts take 7-12 minutes per side.
Can I partially grill chicken then finish on the barbecue?
Yes, you can partially grill chicken first if you monitor the temperature and doneness. Make sure to pre cook until breasts are 155°F and thighs/legs reach 165°F.
Is it necessary to pre cook chicken before grilling?
Pre cooking helps ensure chicken cooks evenly and is safe to eat. It also minimizes grilling time, so the exterior doesn’t burn before the inside cooks through.
How do I keep grilled pre cooked chicken moist?
Pounding chicken to an even thickness, brining it, using bone-in cuts, coating with oil/sauce, and resting before serving all help keep parcooked chicken tender and juicy on the grill.
Can I pre cook chicken a day before grilling?
It’s best to parcook chicken just before grilling to limit bacterial growth. If necessary, store prepped chicken 1-2 days max in the fridge and reheat gently before barbecuing.
Get Perfectly Cooked BBQ Chicken Every Time
Mastering the pre cook time is essential for juicy, flavorful grilled chicken. For food safety and ideal doneness, parcook chicken pieces 75-90% of the way before finishing over the hot barbecue. Use a meat thermometer and the guidelines above to determine the right pre cook duration for each cut. With properly parcooked chicken, you’ll achieve perfection on the grill every time.