Grilling juicy, flavorful chicken on the barbecue is a summertime favorite for many. But knowing exactly how long to grill chicken so that it turns out moist and cooked through can be tricky. This guide will walk you through the timing and technique for grilling the perfect bbq chicken every time.
Introduction
Grilled chicken is a classic meal that is easy to prepare, and endlessly versatile. From chicken breasts and legs, to whole chickens and wings, the options are numerous. However, the most important factor in grilling great chicken is paying attention to cook times. Undercooked chicken can be dangerous to eat, while overcooked chicken dries out rapidly and becomes tough.
By following some simple guidelines, it is easy to learn precisely how long to grill chicken to get it off the grill safely cooked, tender and juicy at the same time. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know for grilling chicken successfully.
How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a quick and healthy option for the grill. However, their lack of bone and skin means they can easily dry out if overcooked. Follow these times for perfect grilled chicken breasts:
- 4-6 ounces: Grill for 6-8 minutes per side over direct medium heat.
- 8-12 ounces: Grill for 8-12 minutes per side.
The thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F on a meat thermometer. Let the breasts rest for 5 minutes before serving. Brining the chicken breasts in saltwater for 30 minutes before grilling can help keep them extra moist and tender.
Tips for Grilling Juicy Chicken Breasts
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Grill over direct medium heat. The temperature should be hot enough to sear the outside, but not so hot that the exterior burns before the inside cooks through.
- Flip only once during cooking. Repeated flipping causes moisture loss.
- Do not press down on the breasts with the spatula while they are grilling. This squeezes out flavorful juices.
How Long to Grill Chicken Legs and Thighs
Chicken legs and thighs are perfect for the grill because they remain moist and flavorful even with longer cook times. Follow these guidelines:
- Bone-in chicken thighs: Grill for 18-25 minutes total, flipping occasionally.
- Chicken drumsticks: Grill for 25-35 minutes total, flipping occasionally.
Chicken legs and thighs can be safely eaten at an internal temperature as low as 165°F since they contain more fat and collagen. However, for the best texture, cook to 175°F. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before eating.
Tips for Juicy, Tender Chicken Legs and Thighs
- Consider brining or marinating bone-in chicken legs and thighs which can improve moisture and flavor.
- Use indirect heat to slowly roast bone-in pieces evenly on a cooler part of the grill if desired.
- Take care not to burn the skin when grilling over direct heat. Work over a lower temperature or briefly sear and then move to indirect heat.
How Long to Grill a Whole Chicken
Nothing beats a whole chicken hot off the barbecue, oozing with juices and imbued with smoky flavor. Here is how long you will need to grill a whole bird:
- 3-4 lbs chicken: Grill for 60-90 minutes total.
- 4-5 lbs chicken: Grill for approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Cook the chicken until the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches 165°F internally. Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Whole Chicken
- Truss the chicken which helps it cook evenly.
- Place the chicken on indirect heat to roast, turning occasionally.
- Optionally, sear the exterior of the chicken over direct heat first to crisp the skin.
- Use a digital probe thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature.
- Keep the grill cover closed as much as possible to hold in heat.
How Long to Grill Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are ideal for the grill and benefit from a flavorful char. Follow this guide for crispy skinned wings:
- Grill wings for 15-25 minutes total over direct medium heat, flipping occasionally.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For crispiest skin, grill wings over direct high heat, flipping frequently.
Tips for Juicy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Choose larger wings rather than smaller drummettes which can dry out quickly.
- Grill wings on a perforated grill pan to allow excess fat to drip away and help wings crisp.
- Toss wings in sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling to coat and thicken sauce.
How to Tell When Chicken is Done Grilling
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness when grilling chicken. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast or thigh without touching bone. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches the following internal temperatures:
- Whole chicken/chicken thighs/legs: 165°F
- Chicken breasts: 165°F
- Chicken wings: 165°F
The juices should run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork or knife. The meat will also change from having a pink/red tint to being white throughout when fully cooked. And the texture will become firm rather than soft.
If cutting into a piece of grilled chicken, check that there is no pink coloration remaining inside. Any sign of pink indicates undercooking.
Don’t Rely Solely on Grilling Time
While the grilling times provided are a good starting point, always verify doneness by temperature rather than time alone. Factors like grill temperature, thickness of the meat, and whether bone-in or boneless can alter cooking times. Use a meat thermometer for foolproof results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
- Make sure the grill is well cleaned and oiled before cooking.
- Allow the grill to preheat fully before adding chicken.
- Do not move the chicken excessively once placed on the grill.
- Use grilling tools rather than tongs to flip chicken, which reduces sticking.
Should I cook chicken over direct or indirect grill heat?
- For small or thin pieces like breasts and wings, use direct heat to sear and cook through.
- For whole chickens and bone-in thighs/legs indirect heat allows the chicken to slowly roast without burning.
What temperature should I grill chicken at?
- For direct grilling, medium heat between 375-450°F is ideal.
- For indirect grilling or smoking, maintain a temperature between 300-375°F.
Can I grill frozen chicken?
It is unsafe to grill chicken directly from frozen. Always thaw chicken fully in the refrigerator before grilling.
Conclusion
Learning how long to grill chicken takes some trial and error. But by following our guidelines for approximate cooking times, using a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and employing a few simple grilling techniques, you will be rewarded with juicy, flavorful barbecue chicken every time.
The key is paying attention to the thickness of the particular chicken cuts and the differing times needed for white vs dark meat. Mastering the art of great grilled chicken does not have to be difficult. A little knowledge on cook times goes a long way.
So fire up that barbecue and enjoy sizzling, mouthwatering chicken all summer long. Just be sure not to overshoot or undershoot the mark when it comes to doneness. Perfectly cooked chicken awaits with the handy timing advice provided here.