Barbecuing chicken on the grill is one of the most beloved pastimes of summertime. The sweet and smoky flavors of a perfectly cooked barbecued chicken will have your mouth watering and your guests asking for seconds. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about barbecued chicken on the grill, from preparation to cooking techniques to delicious recipes.
Preparing the Chicken
The first step in making great barbecued chicken on the grill is to choose the right cut of chicken. Chicken breasts, thighs, and drumsticks are all great choices for barbecuing. You can choose to use bone-in or boneless chicken, depending on your preference. If you are using bone-in chicken, be sure to allow for extra cooking time.
Once you have chosen your chicken, it’s time to prepare it for the grill. First, rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, trim any excess fat and remove the skin if desired. Next, season the chicken with your favorite dry rub or marinade. You can also opt to baste the chicken with a sauce during grilling.
Grilling Techniques
When it comes to grilling chicken, there are a few different techniques you can use to achieve the perfect barbecued flavor.
Direct Heat
Direct heat grilling is the most common technique used for barbecued chicken on the grill. This involves cooking the chicken directly over the flame. Be sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Baste the chicken with sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to add extra flavor.
Indirect Heat
Indirect heat grilling is another technique you can use for barbecued chicken on the grill. This involves cooking the chicken on the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct flame. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Baste with sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Smoker
If you have a smoker, you can also use it to achieve a smoky barbecued flavor in your chicken. Preheat your smoker to 225-250┬░F and add your chicken. Cook for about 2-3 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165┬░F. Baste with sauce during the last hour of cooking.
Delicious Recipes
Now that you know the basics of grilling barbecued chicken, it’s time to try out some delicious recipes. Here are a few to get you started:
Classic Barbecued Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry.
- Season the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Baste the chicken with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Honey Mustard Barbecued Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
