The art of barbecuing chicken is a delicate balance of flavor, texture, and safety. With so many variables at play, it’s easy to end up with a piece of chicken that’s either undercooked or overcooked. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of barbecuing chicken and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how long to cook chicken on a barbecue.
Understanding the Basics of Barbecuing Chicken
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cooking times, it’s essential to understand the basics of barbecuing chicken. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Temperature control: The temperature of your barbecue is crucial when it comes to cooking chicken. You want to aim for a medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C) to 400°F (200°C).
- Marination: Marinating your chicken before barbecuing can make a huge difference in terms of flavor and tenderness. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar help break down the proteins, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
- Oil and seasoning: Brushing your chicken with oil and seasoning it with herbs and spices can add flavor and help prevent sticking.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
When it comes to cooking chicken on a barbecue, there are several factors that can affect the cooking time. Here are a few things to consider:
- Thickness: The thickness of the chicken breast or thigh can greatly impact the cooking time. Thicker pieces of chicken will take longer to cook than thinner ones.
- Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook than boneless chicken, as the bone acts as an insulator and slows down the cooking process.
- Type of chicken: Different types of chicken, such as chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, have varying cooking times.
Cooking Times for Different Types of Chicken
Here are some general guidelines for cooking times for different types of chicken:
| Type of Chicken | Cooking Time (minutes) |
| — | — |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 5-7 minutes per side |
| Bone-in chicken breast | 7-10 minutes per side |
| Chicken thighs | 5-7 minutes per side |
| Chicken drumsticks | 5-7 minutes per side |
Cooking Chicken Breasts on a Barbecue
Cooking chicken breasts on a barbecue can be a bit tricky, as they can quickly become dry and overcooked. Here are some tips for cooking chicken breasts to perfection:
- Pound the chicken: Pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness can help it cook more evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer can help you ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t press down: Resist the temptation to press down on the chicken with your spatula, as this can squeeze out juices and make the chicken dry.
Cooking Times for Chicken Breasts
Here are some general guidelines for cooking times for chicken breasts:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: 5-7 minutes per side
- Bone-in chicken breast: 7-10 minutes per side
How to Check if Chicken Breasts are Cooked
Here are a few ways to check if chicken breasts are cooked:
- Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to check the internal temperature.
- Check the juices: Cut into the breast and check the juices. If they’re clear, the chicken is cooked.
- Check the texture: Cooked chicken should feel firm to the touch.
Cooking Chicken Thighs on a Barbecue
Chicken thighs are a popular choice for barbecuing, as they’re easy to cook and always juicy. Here are some tips for cooking chicken thighs to perfection:
- Use a marinade: Marinating chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can add flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Cook with the skin on: Cooking chicken thighs with the skin on can help retain moisture and add flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure to leave enough space between each thigh to allow for even cooking.
Cooking Times for Chicken Thighs
Here are some general guidelines for cooking times for chicken thighs:
- Bone-in chicken thighs: 5-7 minutes per side
- Boneless chicken thighs: 5-7 minutes per side
How to Check if Chicken Thighs are Cooked
Here are a few ways to check if chicken thighs are cooked:
- Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to check the internal temperature.
- Check the juices: Cut into the thigh and check the juices. If they’re clear, the chicken is cooked.
- Check the texture: Cooked chicken should feel firm to the touch.
Cooking Chicken Drumsticks on a Barbecue
Chicken drumsticks are a fun and easy choice for barbecuing, as they’re easy to cook and always a crowd-pleaser. Here are some tips for cooking chicken drumsticks to perfection:
- Use a marinade: Marinating chicken drumsticks in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can add flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Cook with the skin on: Cooking chicken drumsticks with the skin on can help retain moisture and add flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure to leave enough space between each drumstick to allow for even cooking.
Cooking Times for Chicken Drumsticks
Here are some general guidelines for cooking times for chicken drumsticks:
- Bone-in chicken drumsticks: 5-7 minutes per side
- Boneless chicken drumsticks: 5-7 minutes per side
How to Check if Chicken Drumsticks are Cooked
Here are a few ways to check if chicken drumsticks are cooked:
- Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick to check the internal temperature.
- Check the juices: Cut into the drumstick and check the juices. If they’re clear, the chicken is cooked.
- Check the texture: Cooked chicken should feel firm to the touch.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken on a barbecue can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and guidelines, you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades and seasonings to add flavor. Happy barbecuing!
What are the essential tools needed for barbecuing chicken?
To barbecue chicken to perfection, you’ll need a few essential tools. First and foremost, you’ll need a reliable barbecue grill. This can be either a gas or charcoal grill, depending on your personal preference. You’ll also need a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Other necessary tools include a pair of tongs or a spatula for flipping the chicken, a cutting board for preparing the chicken, and a plate or tray for serving.
In addition to these basic tools, you may also want to consider investing in a few accessories to enhance your barbecuing experience. These can include a grill brush for cleaning the grates, a marinade injector for adding flavor to the chicken, and a grill mat for preventing the chicken from sticking to the grates. By having the right tools on hand, you’ll be well-equipped to barbecue chicken to perfection.
How do I prepare chicken for barbecuing?
Preparing chicken for barbecuing involves a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Next, you can season the chicken with your desired herbs and spices, or marinate it in a mixture of oil, acid, and spices to add flavor. If you’re using a marinade, be sure to refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Once the chicken is seasoned or marinated, you can proceed to the barbecuing step. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the coals and wait for them to ash over before adjusting the vents to achieve the desired temperature. By properly preparing the chicken, you’ll be able to achieve a delicious and flavorful final product.
What are the different types of chicken cuts that can be barbecued?
There are several types of chicken cuts that can be barbecued, each with its own unique characteristics and cooking requirements. Some popular cuts include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are lean and tender but can dry out if overcooked. Chicken thighs, on the other hand, are meatier and more forgiving, with a higher fat content that makes them more juicy and flavorful.
Other popular chicken cuts for barbecuing include drumsticks, wings, and legs. These cuts are often less expensive than breasts or thighs and can be just as delicious when cooked correctly. You can also barbecue chicken skewers, which are made by threading chunks of chicken onto skewers along with vegetables and fruit. By choosing the right cut of chicken, you can achieve a delicious and satisfying barbecue dish.
How do I achieve a crispy skin on barbecued chicken?
Achieving a crispy skin on barbecued chicken requires a combination of proper preparation and cooking techniques. First, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying any seasonings or marinades. This will help the skin to crisp up more easily. Next, preheat the grill to high heat and cook the chicken for a few minutes on each side, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
To enhance the crispiness of the skin, you can also try dusting the chicken with a small amount of cornstarch or flour before cooking. This will help to absorb excess moisture and create a crunchier texture. Finally, be sure to not overcrowd the grill, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. By following these tips, you can achieve a deliciously crispy skin on your barbecued chicken.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when barbecuing chicken?
There are several common mistakes to avoid when barbecuing chicken. One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough. To avoid this, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, and remove it from the grill as soon as it reaches a safe temperature.
Another common mistake is not preheating the grill properly, which can cause the chicken to cook unevenly. To avoid this, make sure to preheat the grill for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking, and adjust the vents to achieve the desired temperature. You should also avoid pressing down on the chicken with your spatula, as this can cause the juices to be pushed out of the meat. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can achieve a delicious and perfectly cooked barbecue dish.
How do I ensure food safety when barbecuing chicken?
Ensuring food safety when barbecuing chicken involves following a few simple guidelines. First, make sure to handle the chicken safely by washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling the meat. You should also make sure to store the chicken at a safe temperature, either in the refrigerator or in a cooler with ice packs.
When cooking the chicken, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for chicken is at least 165°F (74°C), and you should remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it reaches this temperature. You should also avoid cross-contaminating the chicken with other foods, and make sure to cook the chicken to the correct temperature to avoid foodborne illness. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and healthy barbecue experience.
Can I barbecue chicken in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can barbecue chicken in advance and reheat it later, but it’s essential to follow safe food handling practices to avoid foodborne illness. If you’re planning to reheat barbecued chicken, make sure to cool it to room temperature within two hours of cooking, and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
When reheating the chicken, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the chicken in the oven, on the grill, or in the microwave, but be sure to check the temperature regularly to avoid overcooking. It’s also essential to reheat the chicken only once, as repeated reheating can cause the meat to become dry and tough. By following these guidelines, you can safely reheat barbecued chicken and enjoy it at a later time.