Perfectly Grilled Quarter Chicken: Timing For Tender Bbq Treats

how long to bbq quarter chicken

Grilled chicken leg quarters are a cheap, tasty, and easy dish to make for your next cookout. They are the ultimate cookout favourite, with a perfect balance of juicy, tender meat and a delightful smoky char on crispy skin.

The cooking time for grilled chicken leg quarters varies depending on the size of the chicken quarters and the temperature of your grill. On a charcoal grill, it takes roughly 45–55 minutes to cook chicken leg quarters. On a gas grill, it takes approximately 20 minutes to grill chicken leg quarters at 400°F.

For the best results, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken leg quarters. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but if you prefer your chicken more tender, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 175°F–190°F.

Characteristics Values
Ideal cooking temperature 350-400°F
Minimum cooking time 20 minutes
Maximum cooking time 55 minutes
Internal temperature 165-190°F
Grill setup Two-zone fire
Grill lid Closed

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How long to grill chicken quarters

Grilled chicken quarters are a great, inexpensive option for feeding a crowd. They are also one of the simplest, most down-home meals you can make.

The time it takes to grill chicken quarters depends on the size of the quarters and the temperature of the grill. It takes roughly 45–55 minutes to grill chicken quarters at 350–400 °F. At 350 °F, it will take 35–45 minutes to grill chicken leg quarters. At 400 °F, it will take approximately 20 minutes in total to grill chicken quarters, or 10 minutes on each side.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Quarters

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to six hours.
  • Grill at 350–400 °F. Any hotter and you risk burning the outside and leaving the inside raw.
  • Use a two-zone fire when grilling with charcoal.
  • Flip the chicken every 8–12 minutes.
  • The USDA advises that chicken is safe to eat at 165 °F, but for more tender meat, grill it to an internal temperature of 175–190 °F.

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What temperature to grill chicken at

When grilling chicken, the grill temperature will depend on the cut of chicken and the type of grill you are using.

Grilling Chicken Breasts

For chicken breasts, you should heat your grill to between 425 and 450°F (218°C and 232°C). You should grill the chicken breasts for around 9 to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through to get beautiful, even sear marks on each side. The internal temperature of chicken breasts should be 165°F (74°C).

Grilling Chicken Wings

For chicken wings, grill at a medium temperature of around 350°F (177°C). They will take 15 to 20 minutes to cook, and you should turn them regularly, cooking for around 3 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Grilling Chicken Drumsticks

For chicken drumsticks, grill at a medium-high temperature of around 400°F (204°C). They will take around 30 minutes to cook, and you should rotate them every few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Grilling Chicken Thighs

For chicken thighs, grill at a medium-high temperature of around 400°F (204°C) for direct heat, and a medium-low temperature of around 300°F (149°C) for indirect heat. They will take 30 to 40 minutes to cook. Sear the chicken skin side down over direct heat until golden brown, around 3 minutes. Then, flip and sear for another 3 minutes before transferring to indirect heat and continuing to grill, rotating and flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Grilling Chicken Leg Quarters

For chicken leg quarters, set up your grill for medium-high heat, approximately 350-400°F (177-204°C). This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and develop a nice char without drying out.

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How to tell when chicken is cooked

Grilled chicken leg quarters are a delicious, easy, and affordable meal to make for yourself or a crowd. But how do you know when they're cooked?

The most accurate way to tell if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch the bone, and ensure it reaches this temperature.

If you don't have a thermometer, there are a few other ways to check. Firstly, the juices should run clear when the chicken is cooked through. You can also cut into the thickest part of the meat and check that it's no longer pink near the bone. The meat should be opaque and should easily fall off the bone when it's done.

For chicken leg quarters, it's recommended to cook them a little longer than the minimum safe internal temperature. This is because dark meat can be a little rubbery at 165°F. Taking the meat up to 175-190°F will result in more tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that is still juicy.

It's worth noting that the cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken leg quarters and the temperature of your grill. On a grill set to 350-400°F, chicken leg quarters will take approximately 20-30 minutes to cook. If you're grilling at a lower temperature, it will take longer.

So, fire up that grill, grab your meat thermometer, and get cooking! Your juicy, tender, and flavourful BBQ chicken is just a few flips away.

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How to prep chicken for grilling

Trimming and Drying

Before applying any seasoning or marinade, trim off any excess skin and fat from the chicken. Leave some skin on to protect the meat and keep it juicy. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Oiling

Brush or drizzle olive oil over the chicken. This will help the seasoning stick and prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.

Seasoning

You can use a simple homemade mix of spices to season the chicken. Sprinkle a mix of paprika, onion powder, garlic salt, cumin and ground pepper over the chicken before placing it on the grill. Alternatively, you can make a more complex marinade by mixing ingredients such as olive oil, dark soy sauce, granulated garlic and onion, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.

Marinating

Place the chicken in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to up to 6 hours.

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How to reheat grilled chicken

In the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the chicken from the fridge and wrap it in foil with 2-3 tablespoons of stock or water per chicken breast. Stock is preferable as it has more flavour. Heat the chicken for 10-15 minutes, then check if it needs longer. For crispy skin, unwrap the foil and broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end.

On the Stove

Add 2-3 tablespoons of stock or water to a skillet. Heat the pan over medium heat and add the chicken when the liquid starts to steam. Cover the pan with a lid to keep the moisture in and heat the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Then, remove the cover, flip the chicken and replace the lid. Heat for another 2-3 minutes before checking if the chicken is hot all the way through.

In the Microwave

Place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish and sprinkle droplets of water or oil on top to prevent it from drying out. Cover the plate with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a plate cover. Heat the chicken on high for 20 seconds on each side for a single breast (or about 4 oz.). Check if it has heated up thoroughly, then continue heating in 20-second intervals if needed.

In an Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Brush the chicken with oil, butter, or marinade to protect it from drying out. Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each one for the air to circulate. Heat for 4-6 minutes until piping hot all the way through.

In a Steamer

Set up your steamer and bring the water to a gentle boil. Steam the chicken for 3-4 minutes before checking if it needs longer.

Tips

  • Don't overcook the chicken the first time.
  • Consider brining your chicken before you cook it to help tenderise the meat and ensure it stays juicier for longer.
  • Use lemon or lime juice when cooking the chicken to help reduce the oxidation that causes the 'warmed-over' effect.

Frequently asked questions

The ideal temperature is around 350-400°F. This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly without drying out.

It takes approximately 35-55 minutes to cook quarter chicken on the grill. The exact time depends on the size of the chicken and the temperature of the grill.

The best way to tell if quarter chicken is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Yes, it is recommended to flip the chicken every 8-10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

To reheat quarter chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and reheat for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

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