How to Grill Chicken

How to Grill Chicken - Charcoal Grilled Chicken Recipe! Cooking chicken on a charcoal grill can be a delicious and healthy way to prepare a meal for your family and friends.

Charcoal grills impart a smoky, slightly charred flavor to chicken, and the high heat can help to seal in moisture and create a crispy exterior.

However, cooking chicken on a charcoal grill can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with how to use one.

I'm sharing everything you need to know about how long to cook chicken on a charcoal grill, including how to prep your grill, what to look for when buying chicken, and the best methods for cooking different cuts of chicken.

Cooking dark meat on a charcoal grill is a great way to bring out the rich flavors of chicken thighs, legs, and drumsticks.

Prepping the Charcoal Grill

Before you can start cooking your chicken, you’ll need to prepare your charcoal grill. Here are the steps you should follow:

Start by cleaning your grill grates thoroughly. Use a wire brush or grill brush to scrub away any debris or leftover food. Make sure to get in between the grates and around the edges.
Next, you’ll need to light your charcoal. There are several methods you can use, including a chimney starter, lighter fluid, or an electric starter. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Once your charcoal is lit, arrange it in a single layer on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. This will create two cooking zones: a hot zone and a cooler zone.
Finally, you’ll want to adjust the vents on your grill to control the airflow. Open the vents fully to increase the heat, or close them partially to lower the heat.

When cooking chicken on a charcoal grill, the ideal temperature range is between 350°F to 450°F (175°C to 230°C). This temperature range ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, with a nice crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat on the inside.

If you don't have a grill thermometer, you can use the hand test to estimate the temperature of the grill. Hold your hand about 6 inches above the grill grate, and count how many seconds you can hold it there before it becomes too hot. If you can only hold it there for 2-3 seconds, the temperature is around 350°F to 450°F and is ready for cooking chicken.

Remember to keep an eye on the temperature throughout the cooking process and adjust the vents as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and is safe to eat.

Once your charcoal grill is ready, you can start cooking your chicken. Just remember to keep an eye on the heat and adjust the vents as needed to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

Charcoal Grilled Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Grill Chicken on a Charcoal Grill

Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F to 450°F).
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill, skin side down. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Baste the Chicken: About 10-15 minutes before the chicken is finished cooking, use a basting brush to generously coat the chicken with the Barbecue sauce. Be sure to cover all sides of the chicken pieces evenly.
- Monitor the Temperature: Keep an eye on the chicken and use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add More Sauce (Optional): If you like, you can add more BBQ sauce to the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking or after you remove it from the grill.
Flip the chicken breasts over and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken breasts with the olive oil and lemon juice mixture.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the chicken breasts and serve.

charcoal grill with chicken cooking and text

Notes

You can use boneless chicken breasts, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer, but keep in mind that they will cook faster and may not have as much flavor.
If you want to add some extra smoky flavor to the chicken, you can add a handful of wood chips to the charcoal before grilling.
This recipe works great with other chicken cuts such as thighs, wings, or a whole chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken. This will help ensure that it’s cooked all the way through and safe to eat.
Avoid flipping your chicken too often. This can cause it to dry out and lose flavor.
Don’t be afraid to use marinades or rubs to add flavor to your chicken. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much seasoning can overpower the natural flavor of the chicken.
If you’re cooking bone-in chicken, be sure to give it a few extra minutes on the grill to ensure that it’s cooked all the way through.
Let your chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Choosing Chicken

When it comes to cooking chicken on a charcoal grill, the type of chicken you choose can make a big difference in the cooking time and the final result. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your chicken:

Look for chicken that is fresh and of high quality. Avoid chicken that has a strong odor or is slimy to the touch.
Choose chicken cuts that are similar in size and thickness for even cooking. For example, if you’re cooking chicken breasts, try to find ones that are all roughly the same size.

Cooking Chicken Cuts

Now that your grill is prepped and your chicken is ready to go, it’s time to start cooking! Here are the recommended cooking times for various cuts of chicken:

Chicken Breasts - 6 to 8 minutes per side

Chicken breasts can dry out quickly on the grill, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them. You’ll want to cook them over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. To ensure even cooking, try to flip the chicken only once, and avoid pressing down on it with your spatula.

Chicken Thighs - 8 to 10 minutes per side

Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts, thanks to their higher fat content. They can be cooked over slightly lower heat (medium-high) for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in chicken thighs may take longer to cook than boneless.

Chicken Wings - 12 to 14 minutes per side

Chicken wings are a crowd-pleaser, and they’re perfect for grilling. To cook them, you’ll want to start them over high heat for a few minutes

and then move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. Plan on cooking chicken wings for 12 to 14 minutes per side, or until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Whole Chicken - 1 to 1 ½ hours

Grilling a whole chicken requires a bit more time and attention, but the results are worth it. To cook a whole chicken on a charcoal grill, you’ll want to use the indirect grilling method.

Start by seasoning the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices, and then place it on the cooler side of the grill, with the legs facing towards the heat.

Cook the chicken for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Make sure to check the temperature in multiple places, including the thickest part of the thigh and the breast.

Grilling Tools

Charcoal Grill: You'll need a charcoal grill to cook the chicken. Choose a grill that's big enough to accommodate all the chicken pieces you'll be cooking.
Charcoal: You'll need enough charcoal to create a two-zone fire, which means you'll have one side of the grill with hot, direct heat and the other side with indirect heat. The amount of charcoal you need will depend on the size of your grill and how much chicken you'll be cooking.
Charcoal Chimney: A charcoal chimney is a handy tool that helps you light the charcoal quickly and evenly. It's a metal cylinder with a handle, and it allows you to light the charcoal without the need for lighter fluid.
Cooking Grate: The cooking grate is the part of the grill where you'll be placing the chicken. Make sure it's clean and free of debris before you start cooking.
Tongs: You'll need a pair of long-handled tongs to flip the chicken and move it around on the grill.
Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (without touching bone) to check the internal temperature.
Basting Brush (Optional): If you plan to use BBQ sauce, you'll need a basting brush to apply it to the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.

Charcoal vs. Gas Grill

Flavor: One of the biggest advantages of charcoal grilling is the flavor. Charcoal grills create a smoky, rich flavor that is difficult to replicate with a gas grill. The high heat from the charcoal sears the meat, creating a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Versatility: Charcoal grills offer a wide range of cooking options, including direct and indirect heat, smoking, and searing. This versatility allows you to cook a variety of foods, from burgers and steaks to vegetables and seafood.
Temperature Control: Charcoal grills offer precise temperature control, allowing you to adjust the heat to match the food you are cooking. This level of control is especially useful when cooking large cuts of meat, as it allows you to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Convenience: Charcoal grilling can be more convenient than gas grilling in some ways. Charcoal is widely available and can be stored easily, and there is no need to worry about running out of gas or dealing with propane tanks.
Environmentally Friendly: Charcoal grilling is considered more environmentally friendly than gas grilling. Charcoal is made from renewable resources and doesn't emit harmful gases like propane does.