How to BBQ Chicken on a Charcoal Grill?
Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken
Many BBQ Chicken recipes promise to be easy, yet often the result is just OK. We all have that memory from childhood, biting into a piece of BBQ chicken, only to be disappointed by its bland, unappetizing taste.
The common problem with barbeque chicken recipes is their reliance on BBQ sauce alone for flavor, which fails to penetrate the meat, leaving the outside layer bland and unseasoned.
The solution is a quick, easy spice rub. When applied to the chicken ahead of grilling, it lends loads of flavor, resulting in a moist and juicy piece of chicken.
Fire Up Your Charcoal Grill
As someone who’s spent countless afternoons perfecting the art of BBQ chicken on a charcoal grill, I can tell you that mastering this skill is both rewarding and delicious. The basics involve more than just grabbing your barbecue sauce and chicken; it’s an art that combines marinating, seasoning, and causing.
Whether you’re grilling wings, thighs, or legs, the secret lies in the balance of timing, temperatures, and cooking techniques.
The Essentials of a Great Cookout
No cookout is complete without the quintessential barbecue chicken, sitting proudly alongside hotdogs and hamburgers. But, how do you get that perfect, tender, and juicy chicken? It all starts with your charcoal grill.
Achieving the right charcoal heat is crucial; it should be hot but not so intense that it dries out the chicken. Remember, we’re not just making any chicken; we’re crafting an experience.
How to BBQ a Whole Chicken on a Charcoal Grill?
Mastering Marinating and Saucing
For a flavor that lingers, start by marinating your chicken. This step is essential for infusing your chicken breast or any part of the whole bird with depth and character. Once on the grill, the saucing begins.
Apply your favorite barbecue sauce at the right time to avoid burning, giving your chicken a rich, caramelized layer.
Preparing Your Whole Chicken for the Grill
Grilling a whole chicken requires a technique called butterflying to ensure the meat has even contact with the grill grates. This method helps the chicken cook more quickly and prevents overcooking.
To butterfly, cut along the backbone to remove it, then turn the chicken breast side up. Open it out like a book and lay it flat on a surface. Firmly press down to break the breast bone. Don’t forget to tuck the wing tips under the wings for a more uniform shape. Season your chicken as desired.
Grilling to Perfection
Now, set up your grill for indirect grilling. Place your seasoned chicken, skin-side down, in the center of the grill over indirect heat. Cover the grill and let the chicken cook for 25 minutes.
After this, it’s time to turn and glaze. Brush on some extra sauce. Keep cooking until the chicken reads 180°F on an instant-read thermometer when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
Once done, remove, give another brush of extra glaze or sauce, and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This rest period is crucial for ensuring your chicken is tender and juicy.
How to BBQ Chicken Breast on a Charcoal Grill?
When grilling chicken breasts on a charcoal grill, the key is to keep a close eye on them, as they can overcook quickly. To add extra flavor and juiciness, I always marinate my chicken before grilling.
For cooking, place your boneless chicken breasts directly over medium heat. Cover the grill and let them cook for 15 to 18 minutes, turning them halfway through the grilling time.
You know they’re perfectly cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F and the juices run clear. This simple yet effective approach ensures a moist and flavorful meal every time.
How to BBQ Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill?
Grilling chicken thighs on a charcoal grill is a great start for beginners, as this dark meat cooks more slowly and remains juicier than white meat, making it more forgiving on the grill. For boneless chicken thighs, simply season them as desired and place them on the grill rack over medium heat.
Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking process. If you’re working with bone-in chicken thighs, they’ll need a bit more attention. Grill them directly over the heat for 30 to 35 minutes, turning them every three to four times.
Alternatively, for a gentler approach, cook them indirectly for about 50 to 60 minutes. Whichever method you choose, the key is to monitor the cooking time and ensure they’re done to perfection.
How to BBQ Chicken Legs on a Charcoal Grill?
To cook bone-in drumsticks on a charcoal grill, using indirect heat is key. This method allows the bone to cook more slowly, preventing the meat from drying out, which can happen with direct heat.
Set up your charcoal grill for indirect cooking by igniting the charcoal on one side of the grill and placing a drip pan on the other. Place the chicken legs on the grill grates away from the direct heat.
Cover the grill and let them cook for about 50 to 60 minutes. They’re done when the meat is no longer pink and registers 180°F on a thermometer. This method ensures each leg is cooked through evenly, offering a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
How to BBQ Chicken Wings on a Charcoal Grill?
Marinating and seasoning chicken wings thoroughly is the first step to a successful BBQ on a charcoal grill. Arrange your wings over medium-heat coals, placing a drip pan underneath. Place the wings on the grill rack and cover the grill.
Cook them for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. When they’re cooked, toss them in your choice of barbecue sauce before serving. Cooking chicken on charcoal is easy, but the trickiest part is knowing how long to cook them.
Cooking times can change depending on the pieces and whether they’re bone-in or boneless. Always test your seasoning combinations – from tamarind BBQ to traditional barbecue sauce or honey garlic – for a delightful twist. And don’t worry about leftovers from your cookout; they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
When to Put BBQ Sauce on Grilled Chicken?
The key with BBQ sauce is its high sugar content, which can easily burn if applied too early in the cooking process. The best strategy is to brush the chicken with the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
This timing allows the sauce to caramelize and intensify the flavor without burning, giving your grilled chicken that perfect glaze.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to side dishes for your grilled barbecue chicken, classic options never fail. Ready-made classic Potato Salad, Coleslaw, and Macaroni Salad from ALDI are great summertime shortcuts.
For a unique twist, try Pasta salad like Pure Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad or Creamy Southwest Pasta Salad – both are sure to be a hit. Grilled veggies make for a colorful and nutritious addition to your summer plate.
Think corn on the cob, peppers, onions, and sweet potatoes. Panzanella is one of my favorites; it’s a recipe that can be easily made while the grill is still fired up, alongside the BBQ chicken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of BBQing chicken on a charcoal grill is about balancing heat and timing. By setting up your grill with both hot and cool zones, you can sear the chicken to perfection and then cook it through without burning.
The secret lies in the careful placement of the chicken, either on a top rack or on the cooler side of the grill, allowing for a gentle cooking process that locks in flavor and juiciness.
Whether you’re cooking directly over coals or using indirect heat, the key is to monitor the temperature and adjust your technique as needed. With these tips, your BBQ chicken will not only be delicious but also a testament to your grilling prowess.
People also ask
How Do You Cook Chicken on a Charcoal Grill Without Burning It?
To avoid burning your chicken on a charcoal grill, use a moderate heat setting. Set your coals on one side of the grill to create a cool spot. Then, put your chicken on the top rack of the grill, farther away from the heat.
This is similar to using a gas grill, where you would turn the heat to low under the chicken. This technique allows for even cooking without the risk of charring.
Can You Cook Chicken Directly on Charcoal?
Yes, you can place chicken breasts directly over the hottest part of the grate, directly above the coals. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once, until they are golden brown. Once browned, move them to the cooler side of the grate.
This method is great for getting a crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Bring the temperature up to about 350°F and replace the lid to cook the chicken thoroughly without direct exposure to intense heat.
