Avoid GuessworkThe best way to make sure chicken on the grill has reached the recommended minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is to use a digital meat thermometer. To obtain the most accurate temperature, insert thermometer into the thickest part of the cut while avoiding any bones. Remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches a safe temperature, cover it, and let it rest for five minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to soak back into the meat.
Use Direct and Indirect HeatWhen grilling chicken, temperature control is crucial. You’ll need both direct and indirect heat zones on your grill for cuts that need to cook for longer periods of time, like a whole chicken or dark meats like drumsticks and thighs. By using the heat from the grill without being in direct contact with the fire or flames, which can burn chicken cuts that need more time to cook, indirect heat allows food to cook more slowly and evenly. For smaller chicken portions, such as chicken breasts, tenders, and wings that are less than a few inches thick, grilling only on direct heat zones is usually preferable.
Tips for Basting and SaucingFrom pesto to barbecue sauce, most sauces’ sugar content makes them susceptible to scorching, so save them for the very end of grilling. A good rule of thumb is to add a sauce with a high sugar content after the thermometer reaches 160 °F. It’s best to grill on an indirect heat zone after sautéing or basting to prevent burning.
Best technique: sear chicken skin side down over direct heat for three minutes or until golden brown. Thighs (Bone-In) Time: 30 to 40 minutesTemperature: medium-high (400 F) for direct heat, medium-low (300 F) for indirect heat Transfer to indirect heat, turn the food occasionally, and continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165 F. Flip and sear for an additional three minutes.
Boneless, skinless thighs should be cooked for 7 to 8 minutes per side at medium-high heat (375°F). The best method is to cook the thighs over direct heat until they reach 165°F. Whole chicken should be cooked for 50 minutes at medium-high heat (375°F). The best method is to butterfly the chicken by removing the backbone. During cooking, place the chicken skin-side up over indirect heat and turn it once. To achieve the best results, place a cast iron skillet or brick covered in foil on top to flatten the chicken and promote even cooking.