Introduction:
When you start to try to figure out how to BBQ chicken, there’s no better feeling than getting it just right.
It is like reaching some mythical level of poultry perfection. Mastering the art of BBQ chicken is a must for any serious grill lover.
Whether you’re getting ready for a fun backyard party with friends or you’re just craving that delicious mix of smoky flavors. We’ll walk you through every careful step of the process in this detailed guide.
Making sure that your chicken comes out of the grill crispy and juicy is the point here.
It has to be full of flavor, and ready to make your guests sigh with satisfaction.
But, lets all be real here! Chicken is not the easiest to BBQ. It can easily burn, stick to the grates or just fall apart on you.
You would not be reading this article if this wasn’t the case.
I cannot even begin to count how many pieces I have burnt in this trial and error war with BBQ chicken!
School fees…We all pay our dues, don’t we?
Choose the Right Chicken:
Before you even think about lighting the grill, you need to make the most important choice.
Which chicken to buy.
Choose chicken pieces with the skin on and, if possible, the bones still in them.
Pieces like drumsticks, legs, or breasts.
Nothing wrong with wings either, but up to you.
The skin protects the meat naturally. This results in keeping the flavor and moisture inside while it’s grilling. Also, the bone adds depth and richness that take the dish to a whole new level.
Getting Your BBQ Chicken Ready for the Grill:
Before you start cooking, carefully check each piece of chicken to make sure it doesn’t have any remaining liquid or water from packaging.
Carefully pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
This is a key step in getting that desired crispy skin!
Get or make some garlic, herb and lemon butter and melt it. Keep this room temp, closed and handy for later on. I usually add fresh rosemary too.
Once the chicken is completely dry, cover it in a thick layer of your favorite BBQ rub or marinade. Make sure that every part of it is covered in a delicious mix of flavors.
If you are short on time, a harmonious mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will do the trick.
It will give your cooking masterpiece a tantalizing, old school flavor.
If you feel more adventurous, wrap that bird in bacon!
Personally, we use thick gloves and grill the chicken first. When it is nice and golden and almost done, then wrap that sucker and put it back on the grill. If the bacon is to your liking, time to take it off.
Tip:
Insert some small cubes or slices of fresh garlic butter, everywhere under the skin, before you put it on the grill and see how juicy that comes out later.
Sometimes I swop the garlic butter for a half butter and half cream cheese mix…
You will thank me later, I promise…
How to Perfectly Grill Your BBQ Chicken:
It’s time to light the grill and start the grilling music!
Get your grill ready by setting it to medium-high heat.
You want the temperature to be between 375°F and 400°F. Carefully place the chicken pieces on the grates.
Always start skin-side down!
Also, leave a little room between each one to make sure that the heat and flavor are spread evenly.
Do not give in to the urge to put too many things on the grill. That could lead to uneven cooking and sad, dull skin.
Not what we want, right?
So what is the secret to crispy golden skin, I hear you ask?
This is simply my own battle tested way my father taught me back when I was still a youngen.
Make sure the grill grates are clean and has some kind of oiliness on them.
Whether your pallet prefers a spray, an oil, or the simple onion method, is irrelevant.
Our personal favorite grill spray oil we use can be found here.
If you have cast iron grates, go check this excellent product here.
Onion method:
Take a nice big onion, any kind, chop it in half. Put the halves down on their flat sides.
Now put a fork in it at about a 45 degree angle. Use a sturdy fork with some length if possible.
Now simply slide the onion all over the hot grates before putting your pieces on.
It cleans and oils at the same time. Also, it smells great.
In the end, do the way you prefer!
The point is for the grates to be clean and oiled.
The grates need to be nice and hot but not scalding hot. Carefully place the BBQ chicken pieces on the grates, skin down.
You have to hear that sizzle! If you don’t, the grates are not hot enough.
Give it a few minutes to for the skin to crisp up a little, but not much.
I usually go for about 3 or so minutes. Do not leave the grill. Make sure you attend to them.
Now firmly take your tongs and just loosen them off the grates and move each piece to a different spot. It does not have to be much, just an inch or two in any direction is fine.
The Big Secret.
The trick when moving them is to be carefull and see how the piece reacts.
When you start sliding the tongs in from one side and see its tearing, try from the other side and slide underneath through to the other side.
This lifts the piece up from the grate. Hopefully and with some practice, without tearing.
Sometimes a spatula may be needed. Use some pressure to slide in between the piece of BBQ chicken and the grate.
Do not just smash into it. Use some pressure but slide in slowly.
Slide the spatula in slowly with firm pressure and if you see it tears, try from another angle.
This sounds way more complicated than it is. You will quickly see what I mean.
Some of the best tongs in the business that are going to last a lifetime, can be seen here.
Now repeat the process for all your pieces. Make sure every single one has been moved.
To make sure they are still fine, give it a minute or so after you moved each one. Nudge them a little to see if they are still “loose” off the grate. If they are, you are golden.
After about three to five minutes max, turn them so the skin is facing upward.
Now when they have been going about two to three minutes on the other side, use the tip below using the melted butter mentioned earlier.
Tip:
Use the melted garlic, herb and lemon butter from earlier. Use this to baste the chicken pieces every time you turn them, after the skin has been crisped up.
Just watch out for the ensuing flames now! Always keep some open space big enough for all your pieces on your grill where you can move any meats to when needed.
Safety first guys! It does not help you want crispy chicken but burn your place down or worse, hurt someone or yourself in the process.
Turn and baste several times and it will be ready, crispy and delicious.
So, in summary, you should give the chicken time and let it bask in the hot grill for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
I personally go to about 12 minutes total, but I like my chicken quite crispy.
Use the above mentioned tip until the skin and the piece itself turns to such a beautiful golden color that it gives you goosebumps…
Or should that be chickenbumps?
Just think of how tasty that crispiness and smoky aroma is going to be in your mouth…
You should be able to use your hands like a seasoned musician and plan a graceful pirouette while making sure that every chicken piece gets its due…
Just watch the back when you do that though!
Use a meat thermometer to check for thicker pieces:
To find the proper internal temps when making bigger or thicker pieces, use a proper meat thermometer.
Definitely go for the thickest part. Always, always, check for inside temperature when grilling thicker pieces.
Time cooked does not matter with bigger pieces since there are too many variables.
When the inside temperature reads at least 165°F but not more than 175°F to 180°F it means the BBQ chicken is ready.
To get an exact reading, put the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, well away from any bones.
The normal round dials that come with a grill are usually about +- 50°F off.
If you don’t have a thermometer, a smart cut into the middle of the chicken will reveal its secrets. Check for clear juices flowing easily, with no traces of pink.
This will indicate readiness and show how good you are at cooking.
For an excellent meat thermometer that we personally use all the time, click here.
We have used it a ton and never been let down. Plus, right now it is on a great discount!
Ideas on sides:
Your BBQ chicken is now at its most perfect place.
Ready to show it to the crowds of hungry people and enjoy the flavor explosion?
There are many delicious sides that do go well with BBQ chicken.
Whether you’re hosting a big party in your backyard or a small get-together with close friends and family.
To finish off your BBQ chicken meal, here are some tasty side foods and ways to serve them:
Crispy, crunchy coleslaw
- This goes well with BBQ chicken because it balances out the rich tastes. This salad is full of flavor thanks to the creamy sauce that has a hint of sourness to it. Pair it with BBQ chicken for a standard dish that always tastes great. Long lasting and ovenproof set of ramekins for serving can be seen here.
Southern-Style Baked Beans:
- You just can’t beat them beans! Baked beans are slow-cooked and seasoned just right. They go well with BBQ chicken and make you feel good. The smoky and sweet flavors of the beans go well with the savoryness of the BBQ sauce, making a perfect mix of tastes. They are a comfortable side dish that will make your guests want more if you serve them hot.
Grilled Corn on the Cob:
- Grilled corn on the cob is a traditional summer treat that goes well with BBQ chicken. The burned kernels give the sweet corn a delicious smokiness, making a mouthwatering mix of tastes and textures. Melt some butter and sprinkle it on the corn. This is a delicious side dish that will please anyone.
Potato Salad with a Twist:
- Add bacon, chives, and tangy mustard sauce to conventional potato salad to make it more interesting. The creamy potatoes make the base hearty, and the crispy bacon gives it a delicious crunch. Cool it down and serve it with BBQ chicken for a cozy and tasty side dish that everyone will love.
Fresh Fruit Salad:
- Serve a colorful fruit salad with strawberries, watermelon, and pineapple, which are all in season, as a light and easy side dish. The juicy sweetness of the fruit goes well with the savory tastes of the BBQ chicken, making for a well-balanced and filling meal. For an extra fresh taste, add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of mint. For an extra sweet taste, drizzle some honey over it.
Grilled Vegetables with Garlic and Parmesan Cheese:
- Grilled vegetables with garlic and Parmesan cheese make a tasty side dish for BBQ chicken. The caramelized edges of the veggies give the dish more depth of flavor, and the Parmesan cheese gives it a rich, nutty finish. When you serve them hot from the oven, they will make your meal more comforting and filling.
Cornbread a la made it yourself:
- A BBQ chicken meal isn’t complete without cornbread you make yourself. When you mix the sweet, buttery flavor of the cornbread with the smoky flavor of the chicken, you get a match made in heaven. As a side dish, serve warm cornbread pieces with honey butter on top. Your guests will want more than one helping.
Ideas for Serving:
- For a beautiful display, put the BBQ chicken on a large platter and top it with fresh herbs or lemon slices.
- Set up a DIY BBQ chicken sandwich bar with different kinds of bread, sauces, and toppings so that people can make their own sandwiches.
- For a casual and welcoming meal, serve BBQ chicken and sides in colored bowls or on rough wooden boards for each person. Great examples of 5 star bowls can be seen here. For great wooden serving boards, go check these out here.
- Make sure there are plenty of napkins and forks and spoons for everyone to easily enjoy their BBQ chicken meal. Great examples can be seen here, and here.
- If you use these tasty side foods and serving suggestions, you can make a BBQ chicken meal that your guests will remember.
These tasty sides will make your BBQ chicken even better, whether you’re having a party in your backyard, a picnic in the park, or a cozy family dinner. Enjoy the tastes of summer and the fun of cooking a meal with your family and friends.
Storing Leftovers:
If luck is on your side and you still have leftovers, put them in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for three to four days max.
There are a lot of things you can do with leftover BBQ chicken.
Lets be creative in the kitchen!
BBQ chicken that has been left over can be used in many different ways to make delicious meals for many days.
Here are some clever and delicious ways to use up leftover BBQ chicken so that the tasty bits don’t go to waste:
- BBQ Chicken Pizza:
Use your extra BBQ chicken to make a tasty pizza topping. Put barbecue sauce on the bottom of a pizza crust. Add shredded chicken, sliced red onions, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese on top. For a tasty take on an old favorite, bake until golden and bubbly.
- Quesadillas with BBQ Chicken:
Put chopped BBQ chicken, cheese, and diced onions between two flour tortillas to make these delicious quesadillas. Toast them in a pan until both sides are golden and crispy. It makes a good meal or snack when served with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
- BBQ Chicken Salad:
Toss leftover BBQ chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and corn kernels to make a filling salad. For a tasty and refreshing meal that’s great for lunch or dinner, drizzle with ranch or barbecue dressing.
- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches:
Put coleslaw and pickles on warm buns and top with leftover BBQ chicken to make a tasty sandwich. To make it taste better, add some mayonnaise or extra bbq sauce. To make a meal, serve with potato chips or fries.
- BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:
Bake the sweet potatoes until they are soft, then cut them in half and fill them with rice, black beans, red onion, and cheese. Put it back in the oven and melt and bubble the cheese. For a filling and healthy meal, add chopped cilantro and sour cream on top.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos:
Put tomato dices, cotija cheese crumbles, shredded BBQ chicken, and shredded lettuce into soft or crispy taco shells. Add hot sauce and lime juice to make a tasty meal that’s great for Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week.
- BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:
For a cozy and rich twist, add leftover BBQ chicken to your favorite bowl of macaroni and cheese. After adding the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, mix in the shredded chicken. Then bake until the cheese sauce is bubbly and brown. Add breadcrumbs to the top for extra crunch. Personally, I add some heavy cream for an extra creamy dish.
- BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers:
Cut bell peppers in half and take out the seeds. Then, stuff the peppers with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and leftover BBQ chicken. Put shredded cheese on top and bake until the peppers are soft and the filling is hot all the way through. This will make a tasty and filling meal.
- BBQ Chicken Nachos:
Put tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top them with black beans, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, shredded cheese, and shredded BBQ chicken. For a tasty snack or treat that everyone will love, bake the cheese until it melts and bubbles. Then, add the sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on top.
- BBQ Chicken Stir-Fry:
To make a quick and easy stir-fry, sauté mixed veggies and leftover BBQ chicken with your favorite stir-fry sauce. For a quick and tasty meal that’s ready in minutes, serve on top of cooked rice or noodles.
With this guide as your direction, we hope you’re ready to start a journey of culinary exploration and teach that BBQ chicken who is the boss.
If you follow these detailed instructions and tried-and-true methods, you will be successful every time.
Do not worry about how much experience you have with grilling, you will get there.
No chef or pitmaster was born fully trained. We all learn on the go.
So, light the grill, call over your buddies, and get ready.
Enjoy the irresistible allure of perfectly grilled BBQ chicken.
We hope this guide will help you reach that place of poultry perfection.
Lets us know in the comments what your take is on how to do BBQ chicken. We would love to hear from you and any tips we can learn from you.
We are all here to learn and enjoy!
Please like, share and remember…
Happy grilling, Happy life!
References:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2022). Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart
- Weber. (2022). How to Grill Chicken. Retrieved from https://www.weber.com/US/en/blog/recipes/how-to-grill-chicken/weber-31105.html
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