How to Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time: A Complete Guide

Grilling chicken is one of the most popular and delicious ways to cook this versatile meat. Whether you’re preparing a backyard BBQ, a family dinner, or just craving a tasty meal, learning how to grill chicken properly is essential. With a few simple steps, some practice, and a little knowledge, you can achieve perfectly grilled chicken that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to grill chicken, including tips on choosing the right chicken cuts, marinating, grilling techniques, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even an indoor grill, you’ll be able to grill chicken like a pro.

Why Grilling Chicken Is a Great Choice

Before diving into how to grill chicken, let’s first understand why grilling is such a fantastic method for cooking chicken. Grilling imparts a smoky, charred flavor to the chicken that you simply can’t replicate in the oven or on the stovetop. It also allows excess fat to drip away, making it a healthier option compared to frying. Grilled chicken is versatile, too – it can be served on its own, in salads, sandwiches, tacos, and so much more.

Now, let’s get started on how to grill chicken to perfection.

Step 1: Choose the Right Chicken Cuts

The first thing you need to consider when learning how to grill chicken is which cuts of chicken to use. Different cuts of chicken require slightly different grilling techniques, so it’s important to pick the right one for your preferences.

• Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are the most common choice for grilling. They cook quickly but can dry out if not grilled properly. To prevent this, it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time and use a marinade or brine.

• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs, whether bone-in or boneless, are another great choice for grilling. They have more fat and flavor than breasts, making them juicier and less likely to dry out. Bone-in thighs take a little longer to cook but have a richer flavor.

• Chicken Drumsticks: These are perfect for grilling because they’re easy to handle and provide a lot of flavor. Bone-in drumsticks take longer to cook than boneless cuts, but they’re packed with juiciness and taste.

• Whole Chicken: If you’re up for a challenge, you can grill a whole chicken. This requires indirect grilling and careful attention to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for Grilling

The next step in learning how to grill chicken is preparing the chicken. Preparation involves marinating, brining, or seasoning the chicken to enhance its flavor and tenderness.

• Marinating: Marinating chicken before grilling infuses it with flavor and helps keep it moist. A good marinade typically includes oil (to keep the chicken from sticking to the grill), an acid (like lemon juice or vinegar to tenderize), and seasonings (herbs, spices, and salt). Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

• Brining: Brining is another technique that helps keep chicken juicy during grilling. A simple brine consists of water, salt, and sugar. Submerge the chicken in the brine for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the chicken retain moisture, making it less likely to dry out.

• Seasoning: If you prefer a simple approach, you can season your chicken with a dry rub or salt and pepper before grilling. Dry rubs are a mix of herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This method adds flavor without overwhelming the chicken’s natural taste.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Once your chicken is prepped, the next step in how to grill chicken is getting the grill ready. Preheating the grill ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.

• Gas Grill: Preheat your gas grill on medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes. Once the grill is hot, it’s ready for cooking. Make sure to clean the grates with a brush to avoid any leftover debris that could affect the flavor of the chicken.

• Charcoal Grill: For a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered with white ash. You want the grill to reach a consistent medium-high heat. Create a two-zone fire by placing the coals on one side of the grill, allowing you to cook the chicken with indirect heat when necessary.

• Indoor Grill: If you’re using an indoor grill, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While indoor grills don’t offer the smoky flavor of a traditional grill, they can still produce great results.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Now it’s time for the fun part—actually grilling the chicken! Here’s where you can begin applying the techniques you’ve learned about how to grill chicken.

• Place the Chicken on the Grill: Once the grill is preheated, place the chicken on the grill. If you’re using skin-on chicken, start with the skin-side down to get a crispy, golden finish. If using boneless chicken breasts, grill them on the flatter side.

• Cook Over Direct Heat: For skin-on chicken, start by grilling over direct heat to get that crispy exterior. Grill the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces. Don’t move the chicken around too much; let it sear.

• Switch to Indirect Heat: After achieving a nice sear, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking. This will allow the chicken to cook through without burning the exterior. Continue grilling the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for breast meat and 175°F (80°C) for thighs and drumsticks. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

• Flipping the Chicken: If you’re grilling boneless cuts, flip the chicken every few minutes to ensure even cooking. If you’re grilling bone-in chicken, flip only once halfway through to prevent drying out.

• Avoid Overcooking: One of the most important aspects of how to grill chicken is avoiding overcooking. Chicken can quickly go from juicy to dry, so keep an eye on it and check the internal temperature regularly.

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

After the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it moist and tender. During this time, the chicken will continue to cook slightly due to residual heat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken has rested, it’s time to slice and serve! Grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as grilled vegetables, salads, or rice. You can also add sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a tangy chimichurri to enhance the flavor.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when learning how to grill chicken:

1. Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: Bone-in cuts of chicken, such as thighs and drumsticks, tend to have more flavor and stay juicier on the grill compared to boneless cuts.

2. Don’t Skip the Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend when grilling chicken. It helps ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, without being undercooked or dry.

3. Let the Chicken Marinate: Don’t rush the marination process. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

4. Avoid Pressing the Chicken: Resist the urge to press down on the chicken with a spatula. This squeezes out the juices, leading to dry meat. Let the chicken cook without interference.

5. Use a Lid: If you’re cooking bone-in chicken or larger cuts, close the grill lid to maintain heat and ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.

6. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different marinades, rubs, and sauces. Grilled chicken is incredibly versatile, and you can experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor.

Conclusion

Learning how to grill chicken is a rewarding skill that can elevate any meal. By choosing the right cuts, preparing your chicken properly, and using the correct grilling techniques, you can achieve flavorful, juicy grilled chicken every time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, mastering the art of grilling chicken opens up a world of delicious possibilities. With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be able to grill chicken like a professional chef in no time!

So fire up the grill, grab your favorite seasonings, and get ready to enjoy the mouthwatering results of perfectly grilled chicken.