
Chicken is a barbecue classic, but it can be tricky to get right. It's easy to mess up by under-cooking, over-charring, or both. The key to getting it right is to remember that barbecue is slow and low, while grilling is hot and fast.
The time it takes to cook chicken on a BBQ depends on the size of the chicken piece, the temperature of the grill, and whether the chicken is boneless or bone-in. For example, a boneless, skinless chicken breast weighing between 5 and 8 ounces will take around 12 to 15 minutes to cook. On the other hand, a whole chicken weighing 3.5 to 4.5 lbs will take 1.5 to 2 hours.
It's important to ensure that chicken is cooked thoroughly, as it is the number one cause of foodborne illnesses in America. The government-recommended safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. However, some sources recommend cooking chicken to a higher temperature, as it will still be safe to eat and may taste better.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Chicken cut | Whole, wings, thighs, breasts, bone-in and out |
Chicken weight | 6-8 ounces (breast), 4-5 ounces (thigh), 2.5-3 pounds (leg or thigh), 3.5-4.5 pounds (whole chicken) |
Grill type | Direct, indirect |
Grill temperature | 350 °F (medium), 450 °F (high), 250-275 °F (low), 300 °F (medium low), 400-450 °F (medium high), 500-650 °F (high), 650+ °F (cremation) |
Grilling time | 8-12 minutes (breast), 12-15 minutes (thigh), 50-60 minutes (leg or thigh), 18-20 minutes (wings), 1.5-2 hours (whole chicken) |
Internal temperature | 160-175 °F (breast), 170-175 °F (thigh), 165-175 °F (leg), 170-175 °F (drumsticks), 165 °F (wings) |
What You'll Learn
Chicken breast cooking times and temperatures
Chicken is a classic choice for a barbecue, but it can easily be over- or undercooked. Chicken breasts, in particular, can dry out more easily than other cuts of chicken, so it's important to get the timing right.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts
The cooking time for chicken breasts depends on the size of the breasts and the temperature of the grill. A boneless, skinless chicken breast weighing between 5 and 8 ounces will take around 12 to 15 minutes to cook. Turn the breasts every 5 minutes to prevent burning. It's best to use a medium direct heat.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will take longer—about 25 minutes. Use indirect medium heat for the first half of the cooking time, then finish on direct heat, taking care not to burn the skin.
If you're using a gas grill, heat it to between 425 and 450°F. Grill the chicken breasts for around 9 to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken breasts should be 165°F.
Safe Internal Temperature for Chicken
The government-recommended safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. This is the minimum temperature to destroy harmful bacteria such as salmonella. However, for the best flavour and texture, it's recommended to cook chicken breasts to 160°F and let the temperature rise to 165°F as the meat rests.
How to Check the Temperature of Chicken
The best way to check the temperature of chicken is to use a quality digital, instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and ensure it's not touching any bones.
Another way to check if chicken is cooked is to cut into the meat and check that the juices run clear. However, this method is not always reliable as the juices may not run clear until the meat is overcooked.
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Bone-in chicken cooking
Bone-in chicken is a delicious option for your barbecue, but it requires a little more time and care than boneless chicken. Here's a guide to help you master the art of cooking bone-in chicken on the BBQ.
Preparation:
Before you fire up the grill, there are a few things you can do to prepare your chicken and ensure it stays juicy and flavourful. Firstly, consider brining the chicken. Soaking the chicken in a brine solution (such as salt, sugar, buttermilk, or pickle juice) for a few hours or overnight will add flavour and moisture to the meat. Alternatively, you can simply sprinkle salt over the chicken and let it chill for a few hours or overnight. If you want to add extra flavour, you can also rub your favourite seasonings onto the chicken.
Cooking:
When it comes to cooking bone-in chicken on the BBQ, the key is to use a combination of direct and indirect heat. Start the chicken over direct heat to brown the outside and crisp the skin. Then, move it to a cooler, indirect heat section of the grill to finish cooking through. This slower cooking method ensures that the outside doesn't burn while the inside cooks evenly. For a gas grill, you can set up the burners to create a hot side and a cool side. For a charcoal grill, simply move the chicken to a part of the grill with fewer coals. Aim to maintain a temperature of around 325°F (163°C) on the indirect heat section.
The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces. Smaller pieces, such as wings, will take around 20 minutes to cook. Larger pieces, such as bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. For the best results, remove the chicken from the heat when it reaches 160°F-165°F (71°C-74°C) and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes, as the temperature will continue to rise a little as it rests.
Finishing Touches:
If you want to add a barbecue sauce to your chicken, it's best to wait until the last few minutes of cooking to brush it on. This will prevent the sauce from burning and causing flare-ups. You can finish the chicken with a final sear on the hot side of the grill to add some extra colour and crispness to the skin.
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Marinades and rubs
Marinades
Marinades are a great way to add flavour and moisture to your chicken. They are typically made from a combination of spices, liquids such as vinegar, olive oil, or wine, and other ingredients. The meat is then soaked in this mixture for a period of time, which can range from 15 minutes to overnight. Marinades can also help to tenderize the meat, making it more juicy and tender.
Some popular marinade options include:
- BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky, spicy flavour to the chicken.
- Olive oil: For a simple, tender taste.
- Pineapple juice: A sweet and tangy option that will make you feel like you're on vacation.
- Spicy Asian: A flavourful blend of spices and heat.
- Honey Sriracha: A sweet and spicy combination.
Rubs
Rubs, on the other hand, are dry mixtures of spices and herbs that are rubbed onto the surface of the meat before cooking. They create a nice seared texture and add a burst of flavour to the chicken. Rubs can be store-bought or homemade, and there are endless combinations of spices to choose from.
- BBQ seasoning: Typically includes chili powder, paprika, sugar, salt, pepper, and optional additions like thyme, garlic, and cumin.
- Grilled chicken dry rub: A blend of salt, dried Italian herb blend or Herbs de Provence, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dry ground mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Sweet & Smoky BBQ Dry Rub: A mix of sweet and savoury flavours.
- Spicy Brown Sugar Dry Rub: Combines sweet and spicy flavours.
When applying a rub, it is recommended to let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes to several hours to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. For chicken with skin, it is best to rub some of the spice mixture under the skin as well as on top.
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How to check if chicken is cooked
It is important to make sure that your BBQ chicken is fully cooked to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses such as E. coli or salmonella. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat, while overcooked chicken can be dry and unappetizing.
The best way to check if your BBQ chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it isn't touching the bone, and check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, there are other ways to check if your chicken is cooked:
- Pierce the chicken with a knife or fork and check the juices—they should be clear and not pink or red.
- Cut into the thickest part of the chicken and check the colour of the meat—it should be white and not pink.
- Check the size of the chicken—if it has shrunk in size, it is likely to be cooked.
- Check the texture of the chicken—it should be firm to the touch but not hard.
Always allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute and ensure it is cooked through.
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BBQ chicken recipes
BBQ Chicken on the Grill
This recipe is a sure hit for your summer gatherings and cookouts. It is best to use chicken thighs, legs, or wings for barbecuing, as they fare better with the long cooking time than chicken breasts. The key to good BBQ chicken is to moderate the heat and cook the chicken slowly.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken parts (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
- Extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, store-bought or homemade
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Oil and salt the chicken pieces.
- Prepare one side of your grill for high, direct heat. If using charcoal or wood, ensure there is a cool side to the grill with few to no coals.
- Lay the chicken skin side down on the hottest side of the grill and sear for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Turn the chicken pieces over and move them to the cooler side of the grill. If using a gas grill, turn the heat to low or medium-low (250-300°F).
- Cover the grill and cook undisturbed for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Turn the chicken pieces over, baste them with barbecue sauce, cover the grill, and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat the process of turning, basting, covering, and cooking for another 10 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the setup of your grill, the size of the chicken pieces, and their initial temperature.
- The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F for breasts and 170°F for thighs. Alternatively, insert a knife into the middle of the thickest piece, and if the juices run clear, the chicken is done.
- For an extra sear, finish the chicken on the hot side of the grill for a minute or two.
- Paint the cooked chicken with more barbecue sauce and serve.
Grilled Chicken Breasts
This recipe yields perfectly juicy and tender chicken breasts every time. It is important to note that boneless skinless chicken breasts will not have as much flavor as bone-in or skin-on chicken, so basting with BBQ sauce is crucial.
Ingredients:
- 1-3 medium/large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- BBQ sauce
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to 400-450°F.
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill, cover, and cook for 4-6 minutes. If the chicken sticks to the grill, let it cook a little longer before flipping.
- Cook on the second side for another 4-5 minutes.
- Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce, flip, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Repeat on the other side.
- The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the temperature to rise to 165°F before serving.
Oven BBQ Chicken
This recipe is perfect for when it's too hot outside to stand over the grill. It uses chicken thighs, which are flavorful, juicy, and relatively inexpensive.
Ingredients:
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Clove garlic, grated
- Olive oil
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Ground black pepper
- Salt
Instructions:
- Combine the BBQ sauce, peach preserves, garlic, and hot sauce in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Drizzle olive oil on foil-lined rimmed baking sheets and place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, brush with the sauce, and flip the chicken thighs carefully. Brush the skin side with more sauce and return to the oven for 7 minutes.
- Repeat the process of brushing with sauce and roasting for 7 minutes, then increase the oven temperature to 425°F and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the sauce starts to brown.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the cut of chicken and the temperature of the grill. Breasts, for example, take 9-10 minutes, whereas a whole chicken can take 1.5 to 2 hours.
The temperature depends on the cut of chicken. For chicken breasts, the BBQ temperature should be between 425 and 450°F. For other cuts, a medium heat of 350°F is recommended.
Chicken breasts take around 9-10 minutes to BBQ. Flip the breasts halfway through for even cooking and sear marks.
Chicken legs take between 12 and 18 minutes to BBQ.
The minimum safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. However, for the best flavour and texture, cook dark meat and bone-in chicken to 170-175°F.