Charcoal Grilled Chicken Recipes

by

When it comes to flavor, I believe a charcoal grill is the best way to grill chicken because the charcoal gives the chicken a smoky flavor that you just can’t get with propane.

That being said, it can be challenging to achieve perfectly grilled chicken on a charcoal grill. If you don’t know how long to cook chicken on a charcoal grill, you run the risk of undercooking or overcooking chicken. Cook it for too long, and your chicken will be dry and tough. Additionally, you must pay attention to the grill’s temperature. If it’s too hot, your chicken will burn, and if it’s too low, it will take an eternity to cook.

Here, I’ll give you some of my best advice for cooking chicken on a charcoal grill, including how long to cook chicken thighs and breasts as well as a few recipes you should try.

How To Make BBQ Grilled Chicken – Grilled Roadside Chicken Recipe – Weber Grill

How to Grill Chicken Breasts 🔗

0

Prep: 30min

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • sauce or glaze

Instruction:

  1. For grilling chicken breasts, you need a two-zone, medium-hot fire. Fire up a full chimney of Kingsford® Charcoal, or light a pile of about 100 briquets. When the coals are ready, arrange them in a two-zone fire. Replace the top grate, and allow the grill to heat up with all vents fully open. Just before placing the chicken on the grate, dip a folded paper towel in cooking oil and oil the entire grate using long-handled tongs. This will prevent the skinless breasts from sticking to the grate.
  2. Boneless skinless breasts dry out easily, so we highly recommend marinating or brining before cooking. For a basic brine, combine ¼ cup salt to four cups water, and soak the chicken breasts for 30 minutes to an hour in a gallon size plastic zipper bag. If you choose not to brine or marinate, simply season to your liking.
  3. Place the chicken breasts on the hot side of the grate, directly above the coals. Sear the breasts for about three to four minutes per side, turning only once, until golden brown. If the grill flares up, temporarily move the chicken away from the coals. When the breasts are properly browned, move them to the warm, or indirect, side of the grate. Replace the lid and, if using a grill thermometer, bring the temperature up to 350°F.
  4. If you want to apply a sugar-based sauce or glaze to the chicken breasts, do it during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Slather a layer of sauce or glaze on one side of the chicken breasts, close the lid for five minutes to let the sauce bake on, then open the lid, turn the breasts, and repeat the process.
  5. There are two common methods of testing grilled chicken breasts for doneness. The safest and surest method is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert the tip into the thickest part of the breast and when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove it from the grill. The other option is to cut into the breast and take a look — the meat should be white, without a rubbery texture, and the juices should run clear. However, this method will release some of the juices.
  6. When the chicken breasts are ready, place them on a cutting board or a platter, loosely cover them with foil, and allow them to “rest” for five minutes to allow the juices to settle back into the meat. After cooking chicken breasts on the grill, keep them warm until serving — at 140°F or hotter.

FAQ

What’s the best way to cook chicken on a charcoal grill?

If the grill flares up, temporarily move the chicken away from the coals and place the chicken breasts on the hot side of the grate, directly above the coals, and sear for about three to four minutes per side, turning only once, until golden brown.

How long should you cook chicken on a charcoal grill?

We start with 10 minutes cook time for each side, and finish over indirect heat until an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. It’s a good idea to allow chicken quarters to cook for about 15 minutes on each side for a total of 30 minutes of cooking time at 350 degrees.

How long do you charcoal grill chicken drumsticks?

The ideal grilling time for almost any recipe for perfectly succulent chicken drumsticks is between 25 and 30 minutes. Overcooking can char and dry your meat, but you want to make sure you don’t undercook poultry either.

Leave a Comment