Barbecued chicken is a summer staple, but achieving that juicy, smoky, and flavorful result can be trickier than it looks. Chicken is prone to drying out or burning before it's cooked through. But with the right techniques, you can master the grill and impress your guests every time. Here are our top 5 BBQ tips for cooking chicken like a pro.
1. Start with a Marinade or Dry Rub
Chicken benefits hugely from added flavor. Marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better) using a mixture of oil, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), herbs, and spices. Alternatively, a good dry rub with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar can add a great crust and flavor profile.
Tip: Always pat chicken dry before grilling if you've marinated it—this helps get a better sear.
2. Use Indirect Heat for Even Cooking
Chicken needs time to cook through without burning on the outside. If you're using a charcoal grill, pile the coals to one side. If you're using gas, turn off one burner. Start the chicken on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat), and finish it over direct heat to crisp the skin.
Tip: Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs or drumsticks do especially well with this method.
3. Preheat and Oil the Grill Grates
Nothing ruins BBQ chicken faster than sticking to the grill. Always preheat your grill for 10–15 minutes and oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs. This helps prevent sticking and promotes beautiful grill marks.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer
Guesswork is not your friend when it comes to chicken. Undercooked chicken is unsafe, and overcooked chicken is dry. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken hits 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part.
Tip: Remove it from the grill at around 160°F—carryover cooking will bring it to temp.
5. Let It Rest Before Serving
Just like steak, chicken needs to rest after grilling. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes under foil before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite more flavourful and moist.
Grilling chicken doesn’t have to be a gamble. With a little preparation, smart heat management, and a good thermometer, you’ll be serving BBQ chicken that’s juicy, flavourful, and perfectly cooked every time. Fire up that grill and enjoy!