Barbecue chicken is a summertime favorite for many. When cooked properly, barbecue chicken is juicy, tender and full of flavor from the barbecue sauce. However, if not cooked at the right temperature, chicken can easily dry out and become tough. So what is the best temperature for barbecue chicken? Here is a comprehensive guide to selecting the ideal temperature for perfectly cooked barbecue chicken every time.
What is the Best Temperature for BBQ Chicken?
The best temperature range for barbecue chicken is 350°F to 375°F. This allows the chicken to cook slowly at a low temperature, keeping it nice and moist while also ensuring it is cooked through.
Why 350-375°F is Ideal
- Prevents drying out – Chicken dries out quickly at higher temperatures. 350-375°F allows it to cook gently without moisture loss.
- Cooks chicken thoroughly – While low, this temperature range is sufficient to cook chicken all the way through without any raw spots.
- Maximizes tenderness – Slow cooking at a moderate temperature breaks down collagen and connective tissue, resulting in tender meat.
- Allows sauce to caramelize – Barbecue sauce achieves the perfect sticky caramelization at these temps without burning.
- Renders skin crispy – Long, slow cooking gives the fat under the skin time to render slowly for crispy skin.
How to Maintain Ideal BBQ Temperatures
Achieving and maintaining the ideal 350-375°F temperature range for chicken requires a few simple steps:
- Preheat grill properly – Ignite grill and close lid, allowing it to preheat for 10-15 minutes first.
- Use a grill thermometer – Invest in a good digital thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Adjust heat as needed – If temperature drops, turn burners up slightly. If too high, lower heat.
- Keep lid closed when possible – Opening the grill lets heat escape. Keep lid closed as much as you can.
- Rotate chicken – Occasionally rotate chicken for even exposure to heat.
- Allow resting time – Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
What if the Temperature is Too High or Too Low?
It’s important to try to maintain 350-375°F for best results, but here is what happens if the temperature varies:
If Too High (Above 375°F)
- Chicken dries out quickly
- Skin burns easily
- Sauce can burn and turn bitter
If Too Low (Below 325°F)
- Chicken doesn’t cook through fully
- Skin doesn’t get crispy
- Longer cooking times
While you want to try to stay in the 350-375°F range, the chicken should still turn out tasty at slightly higher or lower temperatures as long as you monitor it closely.
Other Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken
Follow these additional tips for the highest quality barbecue chicken:
- Brine chicken first – Soaking in a saltwater brine ensures seasoned, juicy meat.
- Pat chicken dry – Dry the skin thoroughly so it crisps up nicely.
- Use bone-in chicken – Bones conduct heat for more even cooking. Go for bone-in thighs or drumsticks.
- Apply sauce at very end – Brush on sauce only during last 5-10 minutes to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum temperature chicken should be cooked to?
Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured at the thickest part of the meat to be considered safe to eat.
Can you grill chicken at too high of a temperature?
Yes, grilling chicken above 400°F is not recommended as it will cause the exterior to burn while leaving the inside undercooked. 350-375°F is best.
Is it bad if some pieces cook faster than others?
With bone-in chicken, it’s common for some pieces to cook faster. This is ok as long as you monitor thickness and remove pieces when done.
Should barbecued chicken be crispy?
Properly barbecued chicken will have crispy, caramelized skin on the outside with tender and juicy meat inside.
How long does it take to grill chicken at 350 degrees?
Cooking time can vary based on thickness, but plan for approximately 40-50 minutes for bone-in chicken pieces to cook through at 350°F.
Conclusion
Cooking barbecue chicken at the ideal temperature of 350-375°F is key to achieving properly caramelized sauces, crispy skin, and juicy, tender meat. Monitor the temperature closely and rotate or remove pieces periodically for best results. With the proper temperature, your barbecue chicken will have incredible flavor and texture all summer long.