Don’t be ashamed; you’re not the only one attempting to cook chicken on a charcoal grill while playing the guessing game.
We portray grilled chicken as being simple, and its popularity would certainly lead you to believe that it is, but nobody ever actually shows you how it’s done out back.
I’ve been a chef for more than ten years, and despite this, grilling chicken is difficult because of all the different factors that come into play.
How much charcoal should you use, and how long should you let it sit before using it?
Not to mention that the numerous available chicken cuts all require different cook times; what visual indicators can you look for to determine when they are done?
The flavor intensity of charcoal grilling is exceptional compared to that of a gas grill.
This guide will answer all of your questions about how to master grilling chicken, which is smoky, fire-kissed food that is delicious on a primal level.
Basting and Saucing Chicken for Grilling
Grilled meat becomes fantastic when a barbecue sauce or other flavorful sauce is added. However, if you add a sauce, it’s simple to burn. Therefore, it is best to postpone basting with sauce until after grilling is complete.
When the chicken reaches 160°F internally, it is time to begin sautéing it. To accomplish this, move the chicken to indirect heat and baste it with liquid using a brush. We prefer to sauce first, cook for 2-3 minutes, and then sauce. This prevents the sauce from burning while it thickens into a delicious glaze.
When Is a Charcoal Grill Ready for Grilling?
From here, all chefs I know use the hand test trick to determine when to put their chicken on the grill. Let me teach you!.
Easy Flavoring Ideas For Charcoal Grilled Chicken
I operate under the belief that you don’t need any elaborate recipes to make grilled chicken because you already have everything you need in a partially stocked pantry.
In my catering business, we put all the chicken in a sizable metal bowl, add any of the high smoke point oils I mentioned above (enough to coat all the chicken thoroughly), and then sprinkle on a ton of cajun seasoning.
Any of the seasonings you have in your pantry that you purchased for other cooking endeavors can be used to create this. You just need to coat the chicken thoroughly, maybe a little more than you think you need, without measuring.
FAQ
How long do you put chicken breasts on the grill for?
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. Time: 5 to 6 minutes per side.
- Temperature: Medium-high (400˚F)
- Best technique: Cook over direct heat until 165˚F.
How long do boneless chicken breasts take on the grill?
Cooking time for boneless, skinless breasts should be 10 to 12 minutes on high heat. In order to toss the salad or grab a platter before flipping the food over to cook the other side, you have no more than five minutes.
How long do you cook chicken breast on a Weber charcoal grill?
Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the chicken breasts over direct medium heat, with the lid closed, for 8 to 12 minutes, turning the meat once or twice, or until it is firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. After taking the food off the grill, rest it for 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm.
