Chicken is one of the most popular foods for grilling and barbecuing. The delicious, smokey flavor you get from barbecue chicken is hard to replicate with other cooking methods. However, knowing exactly how long to barbecue chicken can be tricky. The cooking time can vary based on a number of factors, including the size and cut of the chicken, whether it has bone in or is boneless, the heat of the grill, and whether you want the meat cooked just right or extra crispy. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how long to barbecue chicken under different conditions so you can get perfect, juicy barbecue chicken every time.
Factors That Affect BBQ Chicken Cook Times
There are several key factors that impact how long it takes to barbecue chicken to safe and delicious doneness:
Type and Cut of Chicken
- Whole chicken: A 3-4 pound whole chicken will take 1-1.5 hours to cook through fully. The chicken will cook more evenly if turned at the halfway mark. The breast and thigh meat can cook at different rates, so be sure to check both sections.
- Bone-in pieces: Chicken pieces like bone-in breasts, legs, thighs, or wings will take 25-40 minutes depending on thickness. Bone-in cuts take longer than boneless.
- Boneless: Boneless cuts like breasts, tenders, or thighs cook faster than bone-in, usually 15-30 minutes. Pieces should be flipped halfway through.
- Kabobs or skewers: Kabobs with bite-sized chunks of chicken take just 8-12 minutes to cook through. Flip the skewers halfway for even cooking.
Grill Heat
- High heat: 350-450°F is best for getting crispy, charred chicken skin and cooked outer layers while keeping meat juicy. Cook 10-20 minutes per side.
- Medium heat: 300-350°F lets chicken cook evenly without burning. Cook up to 25-30 minutes per side for bone-in cuts.
- Low heat: 225-300°F is great for larger cuts like whole chickens or bone-in portions. Cook 45-90 minutes, flipping halfway.
Doneness Preference
- Raw or undercooked: Chicken is not safe to eat rare or undercooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Just right: For juicy, tender meat aim to cook until the thickest part hits 165°F with clear not pink juices.
- Well done or crispy: Cook chicken to 175°F or higher for charred, crispy skin and very firm meat.
Size and Thickness
- Whole bird: A typical 3-5 pound whole chicken needs 90-120 minutes total cooking time.
- Single portion: One boneless breast or leg portion may need just 15-25 minutes.
- Large cuts: Extra thick bone-in breasts (1.5+ inches) or legs may require 35 minutes or more.
- Small pieces: Cut chicken into nugget sized chunks for quick 8-12 minute cooking time.
How Long to Cook Different Cuts of Chicken on a BBQ
From whole birds to wings, here are more specific barbecue times for popular chicken cuts:
Whole Chicken
A whole 3-4 pound broiler chicken is one of the most classic barbecue choices. To ensure even cooking, it’s best to keep the temperature moderate at 300-350°F. Whole chickens will take right around 1-1.5 hours to fully cook through on a grill. Here are more details:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, 300-350°F.
- Pat the chicken dry and coat all over with oil or dry rub.
- Place the chicken breast side up on the grill and cover with the lid.
- After 30 minutes, flip the chicken over carefully to the back side.
- Continue roasting until the breast meat reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. The thickest part of the thigh should also hit 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Total roasting time will be 60-90 minutes depending on size. Plan for 12-15 minutes per pound.
Bone-In Chicken Pieces
For bone-in chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, legs, or wings, the barbecue time can range quite a bit. Pieces with thicker, meatier sections will need more time. Aim for the following general guidelines:
- Chicken breasts (bone-in and skin-on): Cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping once halfway through
- Chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on): Cook for 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway
- Chicken drumsticks: Cook for 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally
- Chicken wings: Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally
Boneless Chicken Pieces
Boneless cuts like breasts, thighs, or tenderloins cook faster since heat can penetrate from all sides. Cook to 165°F internal temperature:
- Boneless chicken breasts: Grill for 12-15 minutes per side
- Boneless chicken thighs: Grill for 8-12 minutes per side
- Chicken tenderloins: Grill for 6-10 minutes, flipping once
Chicken Kabobs or Skewers
When chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for kabobs or skewers, the barbecue time will be quite short. Use medium-high heat for tender, juicy meat:
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Cut chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes and thread onto skewers, alternating with veggies.
- Grill kabobs for 8-12 minutes total, flipping skewers halfway through.
- Chicken should have just a hint of pink in center when done.
How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a very popular choice for grilling since they cook quickly and pair well with so many flavors. They do tend to dry out if overcooked though. Follow these tips:
- Choose breasts that are as evenly sized and 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick if possible.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high, 350-400°F.
- Grill breasts over direct heat for 5-7 minutes until grill marks form.
- Move the breasts to indirect heat, close lid, and continue roasting 10-12 minutes until 165°F.
- Flip the breasts just once halfway through cooking. Don’t overflip or the meat can dry out.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciest results.
How Long to Cook Chicken Legs on BBQ
Chicken legs, including drumsticks and thighs, take a bit longer to barbecue since the meat is darker, fattier, and there are more bones.
- For drumsticks, cook 30-40 minutes, rotating occasionally until skin is browned and meat hits 165°F.
- Bone-in thighs can take 25-35 minutes depending on thickness. Flip once halfway.
- Marinate legs in barbecue sauce for extra flavor; char lightly at end.
- If legs are extra large or turkey legs, extend cooking time to 45-60 minutes.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked BBQ Chicken
Getting your barbecue chicken cooked just right takes a little finesse. Follow these top tips:
- Let chicken sit at room temp for 30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to check doneness; don’t rely on appearance alone.
- Keep the lid closed as much as possible to contain heat and moisture.
- Flip only once during roasting to allow browning without drying meat out.
- Apply sauces and glazes just during final 10-15 minutes or they will burn.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
- Mix up grill temps, starting on high for browning then turning down heat to finish cooking.
- Combine methods, searing chicken over direct heat then finishing indirectly with a closed lid.
- Use a larger cut like a whole chicken or turkey for best results as it holds moisture well.
Common BBQ Chicken Recipe Cooking Times
Try these popular barbecue chicken recipes. Cook times vary based on preparation method:
BBQ Chicken Wings
- Marinate wings 1-2 hours for extra flavor
- Grill 20-25 minutes over medium heat, flipping occasionally
BBQ Chicken Legs and Thighs
- Roast bone-in thighs and legs 30-40 minutes total
- Grill last 10 minutes over higher heat for charring
BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- Soak wooden skewers before using
- Grill kebabs 8-12 minutes, carefully turning to prevent sticking
Grilled BBQ Chicken Quarters
- Cook chicken leg and thigh quarters 35-40 minutes
- Flip once halfway and finish on higher heat
Beer Can Chicken
- Cook whole chicken upright on open beer can for 1-1.5 hours
- Use a stand to hold chicken vertically for even roasting
BBQ Chicken Breasts
- Grill bone-in breasts over medium heat 30-35 minutes
- Cook boneless breasts 12-15 minutes per side
BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Partially precook chicken first before topping pizza
- Finish cooking pizzas with chicken 5-8 minutes at 500°F
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken
How long does it take to grill a whole chicken?
A 3-4 pound whole chicken will take around 60-90 minutes to fully cook through on a grill set to medium heat of 325-350°F. Plan for about 12-15 minutes per pound.
Can you grill chicken directly over the flames?
It’s best not to place chicken right over direct flames. This can lead to burnt outsides before the inside cooks through. Sear briefly over high heat then finish cooking over indirect low heat.
Is it okay to keep checking chicken while it grills?
Avoid lifting the lid too often to peek at the chicken as this will allow heat to escape. Opening the grill frequently can lead to uneven cooking.
Do you flip chicken often when grilling?
There’s no need to flip chicken more than once or twice during grilling. Simply rotate it after 20-30 minutes, then finish cooking on the other side. Too much flipping can dry out the meat.
How do you prevent dry chicken on the grill?
Use moderate heat rather than intense flames, cook with the lid closed, marinate chicken first, brush on sauces at the end, and don’t overcook. Allowing chicken to rest after grilling helps retain moisture too.
How can you tell when BBQ chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, as appearance alone can be misleading. Whole cuts are done at 165°F and breasts at 170°F with clear juices. The chicken will also move easily on the joints when fully cooked.
What’s the best way to barbecue chicken wings?
Separated wings will cook fast and evenly. Grill on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes per side, flipping once. Toss the wings in barbecue sauce during the last few minutes only to prevent burning.
Is barbecued chicken healthy?
Chicken is lean protein and grilling adds great flavor with little added fat. Opt for skinless chicken or remove the skin after cooking. Pairing grilled chicken with veggies and healthy sides like salads makes for a very nutritious meal.
Get Perfectly Cooked BBQ Chicken Every Time
Getting the barbecue chicken cooked just right without over or undercooking takes a little bit of practice. Now that you know exactly how long different cuts of chicken need on the grill or barbecue under varying conditions, you can relax knowing dinner will be delicious. Bone-appetite!
In conclusion, bone-in, thicker cuts of chicken and whole birds do require more barbecue time than boneless, thinner pieces. The key is using a lower, indirect temperature on any larger or bone-in cuts and maintaining heat for even cooking. For any barbecue chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and allow the meat to rest before serving for best, juiciest results. With the proper grilling times outlined here for various preparations, you can achieve perfection. Enjoy your next summer chicken barbecue feast with family and friends!