Perfectly Cooked Chicken on the BBQ Every Time
Short answer how long to cook chicken on bbq: Cooking time for chicken on barbecue depends on the cut and size of the meat. Generally, boneless chicken breasts take 6-8 minutes per side while whole chickens require 1 1/2 to 2 hours with indirect heat. Use a food thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Step-by-Step Guide: How Long to Cook Chicken on BBQ
Summer is here, and with it comes the joy of outdoor cooking! If you’re planning a BBQ with friends or family and want to cook up some delicious chicken, but are unsure about how long to cook it on the grill, then don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to confidently whip up perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Step 1: Get your grill ready
The first thing you need to do is prepare your grill for indirect heat cooking. This means that one side of the grill will have direct flames, while the other side will not. If charcoal grilling, once lit they should be banked toward one side of the grate; if using gas turn off half the burners (usually only needs two burners) before preheating.
Step 2: Prep your chicken
Make sure your chicken is dry by patting it down with paper towels. Next season both sides generously with salt and pepper as well as any additional seasoning or marinades you prefer.
Step 3: Place Chicken on Rack
Place seasoned chicken pieces upright bone-side towards fire just over indirect heat above drip pan / foil lined baking sheet face facing away from fire
Step 4: Close lid and sit back
Once all pieces are in place close lid/oven door and let those beautiful birds recline at a steady temperature without jostling until fully cooked through approximately between 30 minutes – an hour depending on cut/breast size.. During this time avoid flipping them over too much since doing so dries out meat quicker due to extra trapped air inside cavity which takes warmth longer than flesh itself can absorb resulting in slower heated meat product.
Note: Always double check internal temperatures since undercooked chicen may lead to foodborne illnesses
Step 5 : Final touches!
Before serving brush any sauce/glaze evenly across each piece directly before removing from rack pulling pieces when fully cooked to prevent dribble or ruining that nicely charred crust. Then, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
There you have it – a step-by-step guide to grilling perfect chicken every time! Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your grill and the thickness of your chicken so keep an eye on temperature even if following recommendations & enjoy those succulent meats with care and creativity as well.
Top 5 Facts on How Long to Cook Chicken on BBQ You Need to Know
Barbecue season is here and there’s no better way to celebrate than by firing up your grill and preparing some delicious chicken. However, cooking chicken on the BBQ can be somewhat of a challenge, especially if you’re unsure about how long you should actually cook it for.
Cooking times may vary depending on the cut of meat, size of the chicken pieces, and other factors like climate conditions and altitude. To ensure that your BBQ chicken turns out perfectly every single time, we’ve compiled a list of Top 5 Facts on How Long to Cook Chicken on BBQ You Need to Know:
1) The Temperature Matters
Before cooking any type of meat on the grill, including chicken, it’s important to bring it up to room temperature first. This will help achieve even cooking throughout the piece by preventing cold spots from forming in the centre. Additionally make sure your grill temperature is at approximately medium-high heat (around 375-450°F).
2) Time Varies Depending On Cuts
Different cuts require different lengths of time when grilling; boneless or skinless breasts often only take around 6 to 8 minutes per side while thicker cuts like whole chickens will need upwards of one hour over indirect heat (to avoid burning). These variations are dependent upon what type/size cut being grilled along with proper pre-grill preparations such as marination or brining.
3) Use the Poke Test
Testing how well cooked a juicy pice is tricky enough without cutting/chewing into each piece individually – but beneficially easy once taught: the “poke test”. Start by poking your finger nicely onto thickest part center area at knuckle/finger base & observe springiness/respondent bounce back after removing fingers shows doneness level e.g(mushy undercooked/pink through white just done), tender-firm spongy(thoroughly cooked), or stiff overly-dry(“well-done”) stage. Once mastered this the difference between being unsightly puzzled when biting into a dry, flavorless piece of chicken & enjoying moist succulent meat on your plate.
4) Safety First
Under-cooked Chicken can causes serious health issues; hence it’s wise to use a digital meat thermometer designed for BBQ to accurately gauge the temperature. The internal heat should be at least 165°F (75°C), in all parts of cut before getting served and make sure juices run clear without tinge of pink/red traces.
5) Patience pays off
Generally speaking, Slow & Steady wins through always with better end results overall(not just grilling). Higher quality cuts tend to reward those who take their time cooking them thoroughly-so enjoy process with friends or family while relishing delicious bbq smells filling air! You might want to keep some extra marinade/sauce nearby too…
In conclusion, these five points will serve as an excellent starting point for ensuring that you cook your chicken perfectly every single time this BBQ season – by mastering the art of right grill temp., estimating appropriate cook times for each unique cut has got easier plus knowing how/where to test/measure doneness levels so there are no foodborne illnesses. With patience and persistence one can learn intricacies turning blandness spice up not only taste buds but joyful hearts around being part special moments shared together outdoors.
FAQ: How Long to Cook Chicken on BBQ? All Your Questions Answered
Are you hosting a summer barbecue but not quite sure how to prep your chicken so it’s safe, delicious, and perfectly cooked? Have no fear! We’ve got all of your burning questions about cooking chicken on the BBQ answered.
Q: How long do I need to grill chicken?
A: The general rule of thumb is 20-25 minutes for boneless chicken breasts and 30-35 minutes for bone-in. However, this can vary depending on the thickness of the meat and temperature of your grill. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F before removing from heat.
Q: Should I marinate my chicken beforehand?
A: Absolutely! Not only does marinating give your chicken more flavor, it also helps tenderize it. Aim to marinade for at least two hours or up to overnight in the fridge.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken on the BBQ?
A: It’s not recommended as cooking frozen meats can result in uneven cooking. To avoid any health risks such as bacterial growth prior defrosting of poultry should be done under refrigeration temperatures.
Q: Should I oil my grill grates before adding my chicken?
Yes – greasing grills will prevent sticking while ensuring an even cook across your meat.
Q: What happens if I overcook my chicken?
Depending upon how badly overcooked, dryness could occur resulting in taste being compromised
Now you are ready whip those chickens out and host an amazing Barbeque party with delivering some awesome food that everyone would drool over!