Cooking juicy, flavorful chicken on the grill can seem daunting, but with a few simple tips and techniques, you’ll be a barbecue chicken pro in no time. Grilled chicken makes for an easy, delicious dinner any time of the year.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken
- Whole chicken or chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks)
- BBQ rub or seasoning
- BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- Vegetable or olive oil
- Aluminum foil
Tips for Preparing BBQ Chicken
Choose Your Chicken
- Whole chickens are classic for grilling, but cook more evenly when spatchcocked or cut into pieces.
- Chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, and drumsticks allow more even exposure to the grill.
- Go for bone-in pieces for more flavor and juiciness.
- Remove the skin or leave it on – your choice!
Season Well
- Rub chicken all over with oil first to help the seasoning stick.
- For maximum flavor, coat the chicken liberally with dry rub or seasoning.
- Tryspice combinations like brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Let chicken marinate for 30 mins-1 hour before grilling.
Grill Slowly Over Medium Heat
- Sear chicken over direct medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Move chicken to indirect, medium heat andclose the lid to cook through, 15-30 mins.
- Check temperature to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Keep It Juicy
- Avoid flare-ups from drippings by using a drip pan.
- If cooking bone-in chicken, rotate every 5-10 mins for even cooking.
- For extra juicy meat, wrap chicken in foil during last 10 mins of grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and coat all over with a light layer of oil.
- Generously season both sides of the chicken with your favorite dry rub or spice mix.
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
Heat the Grill
- Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat, about 350-450°F.
- Clean grates well and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- For gas grills, leave one burner on high and others on medium.
Get Grilling
- Place chicken skin-side down first if leaving skin on. Sear 2-3 mins per side.
- Move chicken to indirect heat, close lid, and grill 15-30 mins until 165°F.
- Rotate chicken every 5-10 mins for even cooking (bone-in pieces).
- In the last 10 mins, wrap chicken in foil to keep extra moist if desired.
- Brush with BBQ sauce in the final 5 mins if using.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-10 mins before serving.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
- Store chicken in airtight container up to 4 days.
Grilling Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. Chicken is safe at 165°F.
- Allow at least 30 minutes marinating time for flavor to penetrate chicken.
- Try adding smoked wood chips or chunks to gas or charcoal for extra smoky flavor.
- If chicken is browning too fast, move to a cooler area of the grill.
- Let chicken rest before slicing for juicier meat.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken
What’s the best chicken cut to grill?
Bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks are ideal cuts for grilling as they have the most flavor and stay juicy. Chicken breasts can dry out easily so require more attentive grilling.
Should I brine chicken before grilling?
Brining helps chicken stay incredibly moist and seasoned. Soak chicken in a simple saltwater brine for 1-2 hrs before grilling.
How do I prevent chicken sticking to the grill?
Proper grill cleaning and oiling helps prevent sticking. Also, don’t move chicken too early – let it develop a crust before flipping.
What temperature should BBQ chicken be?
Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
How do I get crispy chicken skin on the grill?
Crispy skin requires high, direct heat. Grill chicken skin-side down over direct heat first. Then move to indirect heat to finish cooking through.
Can I grill frozen chicken?
It’s unsafe to grill chicken directly from frozen. Defrost chicken fully in the refrigerator before grilling for food safety.
Conclusion
Cooking juicy, flavorful barbecue chicken on the grill takes a little strategy but is easy to master. Allow time to brine or marinate chicken to guarantee tender, seasoned meat. Monitor temperature and grill chicken gently over medium heat, moving it around to prevent burning. Rest grilled chicken before serving for maximum juiciness. Get creative with spice rubs and bbq sauces to put your signature flavors on this backyard classic.