Chicken is one of the most popular foods for grilling and barbecuing. When cooking chicken on a BBQ, it’s important to cook it thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature, to ensure it is safe to eat and prevent foodborne illness. However, properly cooked BBQ chicken shouldn’t be dry or overcooked. Using the right technique and temperature, you can achieve juicy, tender and flavorful BBQ chicken.
Checking Doneness of BBQ Chicken
There are a few easy ways to check if your BBQ chicken is fully cooked:
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding any bones. It should read 165°F.
- Cut into the chicken to check it is white and opaque throughout, with no pink flesh remaining.
- Check the juices run clear when pricked with a fork, rather than red or pink.
- The chicken should feel firm when pressed.
- The bones should wiggle easily.
If in doubt, continue cooking until 165°F is reached.
What is the Best Temperature for BBQ Chicken?
The ideal temperature for BBQ chicken is between 350-375°F indirect heat. This allows the chicken to cook through slowly while remaining juicy.
Here are some tips for getting perfect BBQ chicken:
- Brine the chicken first – soaking in a saltwater brine infuses flavor and moisture.
- Use bone-in chicken pieces – bones help retain moisture. Choose a mix of white and dark meat.
- Grill over indirect heat – place the chicken off to the side, not directly over the coals where the temperature is higher.
- Turn frequently – rotate the chicken every 10-15 minutes for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer – insert into the thickest part and cook until 165°F.
- Let it rest – giving it 5-10 minutes before serving allows juices to redistribute.
BBQ Chicken Doneness Temperatures
Here is a guide to the different stages of doneness for BBQ chicken by temperature:
- 140-150°F – the chicken is partially cooked but still pink and not safe to eat.
- 160°F – the chicken is no longer pink but may have some blood spots. Juices may still be a little pink.
- 165°F – the minimum safe temperature for chicken. Juices will run clear and it will feel firm.
- 175°F – the chicken is well-done and very firm. Breast meat may be dry if cooked beyond this point.
- 185°F – chicken is overcooked, dry and rubbery.
So aim to take the chicken off the grill when it reaches 165°F for the best texture. The temperature may continue rising by 5-10 degrees as it rests.
Cooking Times for BBQ Chicken
Cooking times can vary based on the thickness and size of the chicken pieces, your grill temperature, and how frequently you turn them.
As a general guide:
- Boneless chicken breast – 6-12 minutes per side
- Boneless chicken thighs – 8-14 minutes per side
- Chicken drumsticks – 22-35 minutes total
- Chicken wings – 18-25 minutes total
- Bone-in split chicken breasts – 30-40 minutes total
- Whole chicken – 1-1.5 hours total
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness. If flaring occurs from dripping fat, move the chicken to a cooler area to prevent burning.
How to Tell When BBQ Chicken is Overcooked
It’s easy to overcook chicken on the barbecue by cooking it at too high a temperature or for too long. Signs your BBQ chicken is overdone:
- The meat feels very firm and solid when pressed.
- It has pulled away from the bones considerably.
- The juices run clear immediately with no traces of pink.
- The meat is dry, chewy or stringy when you bite into it.
- The skin is charred very dark or has areas that are burnt.
- Bone-in chicken pieces don’t wiggle much when moved.
- Breast meat has lost its plump shape and flattened out.
- Smoke no longer rises from it and the outside appears dried out.
You can avoid overcooked chicken by using a meat thermometer and not cooking beyond 175°F, as well as keeping the temperature around 350-375°F.
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Temperatures
What temperature should I cook boneless chicken breasts on the BBQ?
Cook boneless chicken breasts over indirect medium heat at 350-375°F, turning occasionally, until they reach 165°F internally. This prevents them drying out and retains juiciness.
Is it OK if my BBQ chicken reaches 170°F?
Yes, 170°F is perfectly safe for chicken. The breast meat may be a little drier than 165°F, but still juicy if not overcooked. Dark meat can safely cook up to 175°F.
My chicken looked done but didn’t reach 165°F. Is it safe to eat?
It’s not recommended. 165°F kills any harmful bacteria that may be present. Cook it further until the minimum safe temperature is reached.
Can I eat pink chicken if I barbecue it?
No, pink chicken is undercooked, even if barbecued. Chicken should always reach 165°F internally for food safety. Discard any pink or bloody parts.
My chicken burnt on the outside but the middle is pink. What should I do?
Over-charring has likely prevented the inner heat from cooking it through. Cut away the burnt outside and continue cooking the rest until 165°F.
Can I reheat leftover BBQ chicken at a higher temperature?
Yes, just reheat fully cooked BBQ chicken to 165°F or higher. You can use a higher temperature since it’s already been fully cooked through once.
Key Takeaways on BBQ Chicken Temperature
- Use a temperature between 350-375°F for juicy, tender BBQ chicken.
- Cook until it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Check for doneness by cutting through, looking at the juices, wiggling bones, and using a meat thermometer.
- Overcooked chicken appears very firm, dried out and pulls from the bones.
- Boneless cuts take less time to cook than bone-in chicken.
- Turning frequently and indirect heat prevents burning.
Mastering the ideal temperature for BBQ chicken takes some practice but results in perfectly cooked chicken with a charred exterior and moist interior every time. Investing in a good digital meat thermometer helps monitor doneness precisely.