Cooking barbecue chicken on the grill or in the oven results in juicy, flavorful meat when done properly. The exact cooking time depends on a few key factors. With the right technique, BBQ chicken cooks relatively quickly and becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. Here is a detailed guide to how long BBQ chicken takes to cook using various methods.
Overview of BBQ Chicken Cooking Times
The total cooking time for BBQ chicken ranges from about 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the size and cut of the chicken, cooking method, and desired doneness. Here are general timeframes to expect:
- Grilled bone-in chicken pieces: 30-45 minutes
- Grilled boneless chicken breasts: 8-12 minutes per side
- Oven-baked bone-in chicken pieces: 45-60 minutes
- Oven-baked boneless chicken breasts: 15-25 minutes
Cooking times also depend on the temperature at which the BBQ chicken is cooked. Higher heat from grilling or baking at 400-450°F reduces total cooking time. Lower oven temperatures around 325°F extend the cooking time but keep the meat very moist.
Factors That Affect How Long BBQ Chicken Takes to Cook
Several key factors impact the overall cooking time for BBQ chicken:
Size and Cut of Chicken
- Whole chickens and thick bone-in chicken pieces take longer than thinner boneless cuts.
- Large, thick chicken breasts require more time than smaller, thinner ones.
- Drumsticks and thighs often cook slower than white meat breasts and wings.
Cooking Temperature
- Grilling around 400°F cooks faster than oven baking at 325°F.
- Higher heat shortens cooking time but can dry out the meat if not monitored.
- Lower, slower cooking keeps chicken very moist but takes more time.
Bone-In or Boneless
- Boneless chicken cuts cook faster than bone-in pieces.
- Bones conduct heat slower than meat and extend cooking time.
- Deboned chicken needs less time to cook through fully.
Brining
- Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine adds moisture and flavor.
- Brined chicken can better withstand higher heat with less drying out.
- Brining lengthens the cooking time slightly to compensate.
Doneness Level
- Chicken cooked to 175°F internally takes less time than cooking to 185°F.
- Higher final temperatures require more time for heat to penetrate deeper.
- Juicy meat near the bone may need a higher temperature than breasts.
How Long to Grill BBQ Chicken
Grilling imparts delicious charred barbecue flavor. The intense direct heat also speeds the cooking process.
Bone-In Chicken Pieces
- Grill bone-in chicken pieces like legs, thighs, wings, and breasts for 30-45 minutes total, flipping occasionally.
- Cook 15 minutes per side at medium heat around 400°F.
- Check for internal temperature of 165-175°F in the thickest part.
Boneless Chicken Breasts
- Grill boneless chicken breasts 8-12 minutes per side.
- Use medium heat around 375°F.
- Flip once when the bottom browns and grill until 165°F internally.
Whole Chickens
- Grill small whole chickens (3-4 lbs) for 45-60 minutes total with the lid closed as much as possible.
- Cook approximately 10-15 minutes per side uncovered. Keep heat at medium 375°F.
- Check for doneness in both white and dark meat before removing from grill.
Oven BBQ Chicken Cooking Times
Oven “BBQ” chicken gives you control over the temperature and cooking time:
Bone-In Chicken Pieces
- Bake bone-in chicken legs, thighs, breasts, wings, etc. at 400°F for 45-60 minutes.
- Flip the pieces halfway through baking.
- Check temperature in thickest part before removing from oven.
Boneless Chicken Breasts
- Bake boneless chicken breasts at 400°F for 15-25 minutes until 165°F.
- Monitor closely to avoid drying out.
- Brining keeps boneless breasts moist when baking.
Whole Chickens
- For 3-4 lb. whole chickens, bake at 375°F for 60-75 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Turn chicken halfway during baking for even cooking.
- Verify internal temperature in both light and dark meat.
How Long to Cook BBQ Chicken on a Smoker
Smoking chicken “low and slow” over wood chips results in juicy meat infused with smoky flavor:
- Smoke bone-in chicken pieces at 225-250°F for 1.5-2 hours until 165°F internally.
- Smoke boneless chicken breasts for 1-1.5 hours until fully cooked through.
- For whole chickens, smoke at 225°F for 2.5-3 hours until done.
- Use wood chips like hickory, apple, cherry, etc. for flavor.
- Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Cooking BBQ Chicken
Follow these useful tips for perfectly cooked barbecue chicken every time:
- Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and doneness.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before carving to lock in juices.
- Brine chicken for added moisture, especially when grilling or baking boneless cuts.
- Apply barbecue sauce towards the end to avoid burning.
- Mix up chicken pieces for even cooking – breasts and wings cook faster than legs and thighs.
- For crispy skin, broil chicken for 2-3 minutes at end of baking.
Common BBQ Chicken Cook Times
Here is a quick reference for expected cook times at various temperatures:
| Chicken Type | Oven at 325°F | Oven at 400°F | Grill at Medium Heat |
|-|-|-|-|
| Bone-in pieces | 60-75 min | 45-60 min | 30-45 min |
| Boneless breasts | 20-30 min | 15-25 min | 8-12 min per side |
| Whole chicken (3-4 lbs) | 1.5-2 hours | 60-75 min | 45-60 min |
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Cook Times
How long does BBQ chicken need to cook to be safe?
Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For juicier dark meat, some cook to 175°F. Whole birds should reach 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs.
Why does bone-in chicken take longer to cook than boneless?
Bones conduct heat slower than meat, so it takes longer for the heat to penetrate and the chicken to cook through. Bone-in cuts also have more connective tissue.
Is brined BBQ chicken done at the same temperature?
Yes, brined chicken still needs to reach 165-175°F for safety and best quality. The brine adds flavor and moisture but does not affect the required safe finishing temperature.
Can I reduce BBQ chicken cooking time by using higher heat?
Yes, increasing the cooking temperature whether baking or grilling will significantly shorten the total time. Be careful not to burn the outside though. Moderate heat around 375-400°F works well.
How long does BBQ chicken last safely in the fridge?
Cooked BBQ chicken stored properly in the fridge lasts for 3-5 days. Reheat fully and use within that timeframe for food safety. Discard if you notice any off flavors or odors.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken cooking times range widely based on the cut, size, bone-in or boneless, temperature, and doneness desired. Grill chicken pieces for as little as 30 minutes or bake a whole bird for over an hour. Use a meat thermometer and allow for carryover cooking for perfectly juicy results. With the proper technique, you can enjoy outstanding barbecue chicken any night of the week conveniently at home.