Grilling juicy, flavorful barbecue chicken at home is easier than you think. With a few tips on preparation, seasoning, and grilling technique, you can make restaurant-quality bbq chicken right in your own backyard. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to master grilling the perfect bbq chicken.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken or chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- BBQ rub – make your own or store-bought
- BBQ sauce – make your own or store-bought
Equipment
- Charcoal or gas grill
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Instant-read thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Prep the Chicken
- If using a whole chicken, remove backbone and flatten to allow it to cook evenly. You can ask your butcher to do this.
- Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure it’s as dry as possible so the seasoning adheres.
- Coat all sides with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the meat.
- Generously season all over with bbq rub. Get into every nook and cranny.
BBQ Rub Suggestions
Some classic bbq rub ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dry mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
Play around with the proportions to customize the flavor profile.
Get Your Grill Ready
- For charcoal: Light your charcoal and allow it to burn until covered with gray ash. Arrange the coals on one side of the grill to create indirect heat.
- For gas: Turn all burners to high. Once preheated, turn off the burner on one side to create indirect heat.
- Oil the grill grates right before putting the chicken on. This prevents sticking.
Grill the Chicken
- Place chicken skin-side down over indirect heat. Cover grill.
- Grill for 30-40 minutes until the skin is browned and crispy.
- Flip and brush with bbq sauce. Be careful not to burn the sugar in the sauce.
- Continue grilling over indirect heat, covered, brushing with sauce every 10 minutes or so.
- Once the chicken is nearly done, about 10-15 minutes more, move it directly over the coals or lit burner to caramelize the sauce.
- Chicken is done when breasts are 165°F and thighs/legs are 175°F.
Serve Immediately
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into pieces if needed. Serve with extra warmed bbq sauce on the side.
Enjoy your perfect backyard bbq chicken! Juicy, charred, and finger-lickin’ good.
FAQ
How long does it take to grill a whole chicken?
- For a 3-4 lb chicken, plan on 60-90 minutes total grill time. Go low and slow over indirect heat to ensure even cooking.
Can you grill chicken that’s still frozen?
- Never throw frozen chicken directly on the grill! Always thaw in the refrigerator first for food safety.
Should you flip chicken often while grilling?
- Flip only once if possible. Every time you flip, you lose heat and moisture. Let it cook skin-side down first to get crispy.
What’s the best way to prevent chicken from drying out?
- Go low and slow over indirect heat. Also, brining the chicken before grilling helps it stay juicy.
What’s the minimum safe temperature for grilled chicken?
- 165°F for breasts, 175°F for thighs and legs. Use a thermometer to check.
How do you keep bbq sauce from burning?
- Apply sauce in the last 10-15 minutes after chicken is mostly cooked. Quickly caramelize over direct heat.
Conclusion
Following these simple steps for preparing and grilling, you can make juicy, delicious bbq chicken right in your own backyard. Coat with a flavorful dry rub, go low and slow over indirect heat, and glaze with sauce at the end. In less than an hour, you’ll have a tasty summer meal the whole family will love. Experiment with different rubs and bbq sauces until you find your signature style. Happy grilling!