Cooking BBQ chicken on a grill can result in juicy, flavorful chicken if done properly. The cooking time will vary based on a few key factors. Learning how long to grill BBQ chicken ensures it turns out moist and tender every time.
Introduction
Grilling BBQ chicken is a favorite summer cooking method for its ease and delicious flavor. When done right, the smoky, charred exterior envelops tender and juicy chicken. However, over or undercooking chicken on the grill quickly leads to dry, rubbery meat.
Knowing exactly how long to cook BBQ chicken on a grill prevents these missteps. We will explore the cooking times and techniques to achieve perfect grilled BBQ chicken. Cooking duration depends on the chicken’s size and thickness. Methods like indirect grilling and maintaining proper heat also affect the time needed.
Let’s dive into the timing and steps for flawlessly grilled BBQ chicken every time. With a few simple guidelines, your chicken will impress guests with its ideal texture and robust flavor.
Factors That Affect BBQ Chicken Grill Times
Several key factors impact how long BBQ chicken cooks on a grill:
- Chicken cut – Whole chicken, bone-in pieces, boneless breasts
- Chicken size – Larger pieces take longer
- Bone-in or boneless – Boneless cooks faster
- Grill temperature – Higher heat reduces cooking time
- Grill method – Direct or indirect heat
- Use of grill lid – Closed lid retains heat
- Chicken temperature – Cook until 165°F (74°C) internally
Considering these will allow you to accurately determine BBQ chicken grill durations. Let’s look at how each affects the cooking time.
BBQ Chicken Grill Times by Cut
Grilling times can vary significantly depending on which chicken cuts you choose. Whole chickens, bone-in pieces, and boneless breasts require different lengths of time to cook through without drying out.
Here are estimates for how long each takes:
Whole Chicken
- 1.5-2 lbs: 60-90 minutes
- 3-4 lbs: 90-120 minutes
- 5-6 lbs: 120-180 minutes
Whole chickens need longer cooking than pieces to allow heat to penetrate deep into the thickest areas. Times given are for indirect grilling with the lid closed to prevent burning.
Bone-In Chicken Pieces
- Breasts: 30-40 minutes
- Legs and thighs: 40-50 minutes
- Wings: 20-30 minutes
Bone-in parts cook faster than whole birds but still benefit from indirect heat. Check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.
Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 inch thick: 12-15 minutes
- 1 inch thick: 15-20 minutes
Boneless breasts require the least time on the grill since heat can penetrate quickly into the meat. Watch these carefully to avoid drying out.
Proper Internal Temperature
Regardless of the cut, chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check this, inserting it into the thickest part without touching any bones.
This temperature kills potentially harmful bacteria like salmonella. Chicken may need a few minutes longer than the times given to fully reach 165°F. Continuing cooking until the thermometer confirms it is done prevents undercooking.
Grill Temperature for BBQ Chicken
The heat level of the grill significantly impacts BBQ chicken cooking times. Grills set to higher temperatures will cook chicken faster than lower heat.
Use these target grill temperatures based on your preferred cooking method:
- Direct high-heat grilling: 450-550°F (230-290°C)
- Indirect medium heat: 325-375°F (160-190°C)
- Smoking or roasting: 225-275°F (105-135°C)
For whole birds and bone-in pieces, indirect grilling at a moderate 325-375°F is best. The lower heat allows the interior to cook through without burning the outside.
Boneless breasts can handle quicker direct high-heat grilling. Aim for 450-550°F to sear the outside and cook the inside in minutes.
Maintain your grill’s temperature steady throughout cooking for even results. Fluctuating high and low heat leads to uneven cooking.
Direct vs. Indirect Grilling
Direct grilling involves cooking food directly over the heat source. This intense heat quickly browns and sears food. Indirect grilling places the food to the side of the heat element and utilizes the grill’s lid to circulate heat.
Indirect grill methods are best for larger BBQ chicken cuts like whole birds and bone-in pieces. The lower heat tenderizes the meat while avoiding scorching the exterior.
Boneless breasts can be grilled using direct high heat since they require less time. Quickly sear both sides over direct flame before moving them to indirect heat to finish cooking if needed.
Combining direct and indirect heat gives you the best of both. Sear for color and flavor, then gently bring up to temperature using indirect heat. Close the grill lid during indirect cooking.
Using the Grill Lid
Keeping the grill lid closed is crucial for cooking BBQ chicken indirectly. The lid traps heat and smoke within the grill, thoroughly cooking the chicken.
If grilling bone-in chicken directly over high heat, the lid can be closed or remain open. During indirect cooking at lower heat, always keep the lid closed.
Opening the lid repeatedly lets heat escape. Try to only lift the lid briefly to check doneness or add more coal/wood halfway through if needed. Avoid peeking frequently.
BBQ Chicken Grill Time Tips
- Let thick cuts reach room temp before grilling
- Keep grill grate and sauce brush clean
- Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy
- Allow 5-10 minutes rest before cutting into chicken
- Time bone-in and boneless pieces separately
- Switch to indirect heat if chicken browns too quickly
- Reduce grill heat if chicken starts to burn
- Brush on sauce carefully to prevent sticking
Following these tips will help prevent common grilling mistakes. With the proper techniques, your BBQ chicken will turn out juicy and flavorful every time.
Step-by-Step Guide for Grilling BBQ Chicken
Now that we’ve covered the factors affecting grill time, let’s walk through the full process for cooking tender, smoky BBQ chicken.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat. Allow thicker cuts to sit at room temperature 30 minutes before grilling.
Coat all over with a dry rub, seasoningsalt, or just salt and pepper. Oil helps promote browning. Let marinate in the fridge up to 24 hours for more flavor.
2. Prep the Grill
Heat your charcoal or gas grill to the desired temperature. Scrape the grates clean. For gas grills, grease grates to prevent sticking.
Arrange coals for indirect cooking, piling them on just one side of the grill. For gas, turn off one of the burners to create an indirect heating zone.
3. Grill the Chicken
For small or boneless pieces, grill over direct high heat 4-6 minutes per side with the lid open. Cook larger cuts indirectly at a lower temp with the lid closed.
Rotate bone-in chicken every 15 minutes for even cooking. Baste with sauce during the last 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Check for Doneness
Test chicken around 5 minutes before the recommended time. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest area away from bone. It should reach 165°F.
Juices will run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork. If underdone, continue grilling and check again in a few minutes.
5. Remove and Rest
When fully cooked, transfer chicken to a clean platter. Loosely tent with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
Dig in and enjoy your tender, juicy BBQ chicken straight from the grill!
Common BBQ Chicken Grilling Questions
Grilling the perfect BBQ chicken may take some trial and error. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
- Use a clean, well-oiled grate
- Avoid moving pieces too early
- Brush on sauce toward the end
- Use tongs instead of a fork for turning
- Allow chicken to release naturally before flipping
Why is my BBQ chicken burnt on the outside and raw inside?
This happens when the grill’s temperature is too high. Use indirect medium heat for bone-in chicken. Cook over direct heat briefly just to sear. Make sure to close the lid when grill roasting.
How can I keep chicken moist when grilling?
- Don’t cook over direct high heat for the full duration
- Allow chicken to rest after grilling before cutting
- Brine chicken in saltwater before grilling
- Rub skin with oil or butter to baste while cooking
- Spritz with broth or juice to add moisture
Should I grill chicken bone-side up or down?
Bone-side down helps protect the delicate breast meat. Place chicken bone-side down first. Finish over indirect heat bone-side up to promote even cooking.
Can I grill frozen chicken?
It’s unsafe to cook frozen chicken directly on the grill. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. Cooking partially frozen chicken can lead to undercooking.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipes
Grilled BBQ chicken accepts a wide range of flavors. Try out these tasty recipes:
Tangy BBQ Chicken
Coat chicken in a zippy vinegar, tomato, and spice-based barbecue sauce before grilling. The tangy sauce caramelizes into the skin.
Cajun Chicken
A spicy Cajun seasoning and butter rub gives the chicken a bold kick. The melted butter keeps the meat moist and tender.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jerk seasoning featuring tropical spices like allspice, cloves, and habanero chiles adds exotic flavor. Grill over pimento wood for authentic smoky notes.
Mediterranean Chicken
Marinate chicken in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano, and black pepper. Grill slices of lemon alongside the meat.
Thai Chicken
Asian flavors like ginger, chili sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and cilantro come through in this zesty Thai marinade.
The options are endless for putting a flavorful spin on simple grilled chicken. Mix up wet and dry rubs along with glazes and marinades.
Conclusion
Mastering BBQ chicken on the grill takes some practice but follows a straightforward process. Consider the cut, size, grill temperature, and method to determine the cooking time needed. Indirect heat with the lid closed allows chicken to cook evenly without burning.
Check for doneness early and let larger pieces rest before serving. With the proper technique, you will be rewarded with tender, juicy chicken bursting with barbecue flavor. Experiment with different rubs and sauces to put your own spin on classic BBQ chicken.