Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, whole chicken, or chicken kebabs)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper
- Your favorite marinade or seasoning blend (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Brush each piece lightly with olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or marinade.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F / 190°C to 232°C).
- If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed and have a medium-high heat.
- Grilling Times for Different Chicken Pieces:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts:
- Grill over direct medium-high heat.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Bone-In Chicken Breasts:
- Grill over indirect medium-high heat.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Chicken Thighs (Bone-In):
- Grill over direct medium-high heat.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Boneless Chicken Thighs:
- Grill over direct medium-high heat.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Chicken Drumsticks:
- Grill over direct medium-high heat.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Chicken Wings:
- Grill over direct medium-high heat.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Whole Chicken (Spatchcocked/Butterflied):
- Grill over indirect medium heat.
- Cook for 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Chicken Kebabs:
- Grill over direct medium-high heat.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts:
- Check for Doneness:
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the chicken with your favorite sides and sauces.
Tips:
- Indirect vs. Direct Heat:
- Use indirect heat for larger pieces of chicken like bone-in breasts or whole chickens to cook them evenly without burning the outside.
- Use direct heat for smaller pieces like boneless breasts or wings to get a nice sear and cook them quickly.
- Marinating:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to infuse it with flavor. Remove excess marinade before grilling to prevent flare-ups.
Enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken, juicy and full of flavor!
