How To BBQ Chicken On Charcoal Grill

There’s nothing like the smoky, deep flavor of chicken grilled on a charcoal barbecue. The aroma itself is enough to make your taste buds tingle, and the flavor? It’s sheer culinary joy. Whether you’re an experienced grill master or just starting out in your backyard, mastering BBQ chicken on a charcoal grill can take your summer cookouts and family dinners to the next level.

In this guide on how to BBQ chicken on charcoal grill, we’ll cover the key techniques and tips for grilling chicken on a charcoal barbecue to perfection every time. From picking the right cuts and marinades to setting up your grill and achieving that ideal char, we’ve got all the details. Let’s get those coals burning and start grilling!

Preparing Your Chicken

Proper preparation is crucial for mouth-watering BBQ chicken. Begin by rinsing your chicken under cold water and drying it thoroughly with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or skin to prevent flare-ups on the grill.

Generously season your chicken with salt and pepper to ensure even coverage. This simple step enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat. For a more robust flavor, consider marinating your chicken or applying a spice rub a few hours before grilling. Allowing the chicken to rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking ensures even grilling.

rinsing your chicken under cold water and drying it thoroughly with paper towels — *Credits to Foodal*

Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts

Selecting the appropriate chicken cuts can significantly impact the outcome. Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them perfect for a fast BBQ. Thighs and legs, with their higher fat content, remain juicy and flavorful even during longer cooking times.

Wings are ideal for appetizers or snacking, offering a great skin-to-meat ratio for that crispy, charred delight. Whatever cut you choose, ensure they are similar in size for even cooking. Mixing different cuts on the grill can add variety and cater to everyone’s preferences at your BBQ.

Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts to Grill Chicken on a Charcoal Barbecue — *Credits to Backyard Poultry –*

Spice Rubs and Marinades

Enhance your BBQ chicken with the perfect blend of spices and marinades. Spice rubs provide a burst of flavor and create a delectable crust when grilled. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne for a classic BBQ rub. Marinades, on the other hand, infuse the chicken with flavors and tenderize the meat.

A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour or overnight for a deeper flavor. Both methods elevate the taste, making your BBQ chicken unforgettable.

Spice Rub Recipe

Here’s a quick and flavorful recipe guide for making a BBQ spice rub for your chicken:

2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Spice Rub Recipe for Grill Chicken on a Charcoal Barbecue — *Credits to Simply Happy Foodie*

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Generously coat your chicken with the spice rub, ensuring even coverage. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This rub adds a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy kick to your BBQ chicken.

Setting Up Your Charcoal Grill

Clean the Grill Grate: Begin with a spotless grill. Use a wire brush to scrape off any leftover residue from previous grilling sessions.
Arrange the Charcoal: Set up a two-zone fire by placing more charcoal on one side of the grill for direct heat and fewer on the other side for indirect heat.
Light the Charcoal: Use a chimney starter for even and efficient lighting. Fill the chimney with charcoal, place a fire starter underneath, and ignite it. Wait until the coals are covered with white ash.
Spread the Coals: Pour the hot coals into your grill, maintaining the two-zone setup. Place a drip pan in the cooler zone to catch any drippings.
Adjust the Vents: Regulate the temperature by adjusting the grill’s vents. Open vents increase airflow and heat, while closing them reduces it.
Preheat the Grill: Allow the grill to heat up for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. Aim for a temperature of 350-375°F for perfectly grilled BBQ chicken.
Maintain Temperature: Monitor the grill temperature using a grill thermometer. Add more charcoal as needed to maintain consistent heat.

How To BBQ Chicken On Charcoal Grill: Grilling Techniques

Grilling chicken on a charcoal grill requires different methods for each cut to ensure they are cooked to perfection. Here’s how to expertly grill whole chickens, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken wings, or even barbecue chicken legs.

Grilling Whole Chicken

Use the indirect grilling method.
Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill, breast side up.
Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours at 350-375°F.
Rotate the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Grilling Chicken Breasts

Grill over direct heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
Sear each side for 2-3 minutes to create a nice char.
Move the breasts to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking.
Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let the breasts rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grilling Chicken Leg Quarters

Sear skin-side down over direct heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
Move to the indirect heat side and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
This method keeps the meat juicy and the skin crispy.

Grilling Chicken Wings

Cook over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
Move to the cooler side of the grill and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
Toss in your favorite sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Grilling Whole Chicken — *Credits to Recipes.net*

Grilling Chicken Leg Quarters — *Credits to Recipes.net*

Grilling Chicken Wings — *Credits to Simply Recipes*

Managing BBQ Sauce

Applying BBQ sauce correctly can make or break your grilled chicken. Here’s how to enhance the flavor without burning it:

Pre-Cooking: Avoid applying sauce too early, as the sugars can burn quickly over high heat.
Mid-Cooking: Wait until the last 10-15 minutes of grilling to apply the sauce. This allows the chicken to cook through without the sauce burning.
Application: Use a basting brush to apply a thin, even layer of BBQ sauce on all sides of the chicken.
Repeat: Reapply the sauce every 5 minutes, flipping the chicken to ensure an even, caramelized coating.
Final Touch: For a thicker glaze, apply one last coat of sauce just before removing the chicken from the grill.

Best BBQ Sauces for Grilling

Finding the right BBQ sauce can elevate your grilled chicken to new heights. Here are some top recommendations:

Commercially Available BBQ Sauces

Sweet Baby Ray’s Original: Known for its sweet and tangy flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Stubbs Original BBQ Sauce: Offers a robust, smoky flavor with a hint of vinegar and a touch of heat, great for those who enjoy a more traditional taste.
KC Masterpiece Original: A classic choice with a rich, molasses-based sweetness and a smoky finish, ideal for all types of grilled chicken.

Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

For those who prefer homemade goodness, here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Let it cool before using. Store any extra sauce in an airtight container in the fridge.

This homemade BBQ sauce is also excellent on chicken drumsticks on the BBQ. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Add more heat with some cayenne pepper, or keep it mild and sweet—either way, you’ll have a delicious BBQ sauce that’s miles better than store-bought.

Side Dishes

Complement your BBQ chicken with these delicious side dishes:

Coleslaw: A classic, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the smoky flavors of BBQ chicken.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt, is a summer favorite.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad with mustard and dill complements the rich flavors of grilled chicken.
Baked Beans: Smoky, sweet baked beans add a hearty touch to your BBQ spread.
Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions grilled to perfection offer a healthy, flavorful side.

Safety and Cleaning Tips

Handling Raw Chicken

Wash Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken.
Separate Utensils: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
Proper Cooking: Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety.

Cleaning the Grill

Cool Down: Allow the grill to cool slightly before starting the cleaning process.
Brush the Grate: Use a grill brush to remove any food residue from the grate.
Dispose of Ashes: Empty and dispose of charcoal ashes once they are completely cool.
Wipe Down: Wipe down the grill exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Proper Storage: Store the grill in a dry place to prevent rust and ensure longevity.

FAQs

Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill and oil the grates before placing the chicken on them. Additionally, ensure the chicken skin is dry before grilling.

This usually happens when the grill is too hot. Try cooking the chicken over indirect heat or lowering the temperature to ensure even cooking without burning.

Flip the chicken every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

If the charcoal cools down too quickly, add more lit coals to the fire. Use a chimney starter to quickly light additional charcoal and maintain the grill temperature.

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How To BBQ Chicken On Charcoal Grill