Barbecue chicken is a cookout essential, right up there with hotdogs and hamburgers. But if you’ve ever spent an afternoon marinating, seasoning, and saucing up your chicken, only to have it turn out dry when it comes off the grill, you already know how important it is to get the timing and temperatures just right. Especially when you’re cooking over charcoal with high heat, it can take a little skill to cook tender, juicy chicken. Luckily, with just a few tips, it’s easy to learn how to cook chicken on a charcoal grill, whether you’re grilling up a whole bird, just a few wings, or a delicious chicken breast.
How to BBQ a Whole Chicken on a Charcoal Grill
To cook a whole chicken on the grill, you’ll want to butterfly it first so more of the meat is in contact with the grill grates. This allows the chicken to cook more quickly and will also help prevent the chicken from overcooking. Cut along each side of the backbone and remove it, and turn the chicken breast-side up. Open the two sides of the chicken, similar to a book, and lay it flat. Firmly press down to break the breastbone, and tuck the wing tips under the wings. Season the chicken as desired.
Set up the grill for indirect grilling. Place the seasoned chicken skin-side down on the center of the grill over indirect heat. Cover and grill the chicken for 25 minutes, then turn (if you’re using a glaze, brush on extra when you turn the chicken). Cover and grill for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reads 180°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Remove the chicken from the grill and brush with extra glaze or sauce, if using. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving to keep it tender and juicy.
How to BBQ Chicken Breast on a Charcoal Grill
Chicken breasts can overcook quickly, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them as they grill. If you want, marinate the chicken before grilling for extra flavor and juiciness. To grill, place boneless chicken breasts on the grill directly over medium heat. Cover and grill for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once halfway through the grilling time. The chicken is cooked when it registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, and when the juices run clear.
How to BBQ Chicken Thighs on a Charcoal Grill
Grilling chicken thighs is a great place to start for beginners because the dark meat cooks more slowly, tends to stay juicier than white meat, and is a little more forgiving on the grill. To grill boneless chicken thighs, season as desired and place on the grill rack over medium heat. Cover the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
To cook bone-in chicken thighs on a charcoal grill, season the chicken and place it on the grill rack over direct, medium heat. Cover and grill for 30 to 35 minutes, turning three or four times as the chicken cooks. If you’d rather set up your grill for indirect heat, cook the thighs for at least 50 to 60 minutes, turning once during the cook time.
How to BBQ Chicken Legs on a Charcoal Grill
Cook bone-in drumsticks over indirect heat; the bone will cause them to cook more slowly, and cooking over direct heat could dry out the chicken before it’s completely cooked through. Set up your charcoal grill for indirect cooking by igniting the charcoal on just one side of the grill, or around a drip pan. Place the chicken legs on the grill grates over the drip pan. Cover and grill for 50 to 60 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and registers 180°F.
How to BBQ Chicken Wings on a Charcoal Grill
Marinate or season the chicken wings as desired, then arrange medium-heat coals around a drip pan on a charcoal grill. Place the wings on the grill rack over the drip pan. Cover and grill for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the wings once about halfway through the cook time. Once the wings are cooked, toss them in a barbecue sauce if desired before serving.
Cooking chicken over charcoal is easy! The trickiest part is knowing how long to cook chicken on a charcoal grill, especially since the cooking times change based on which pieces you’re grilling and whether they have a bone or not. Now that you’ve got it all covered, test out different seasoning combinations, like tamarind BBQ, traditional barbecue sauce, and honey garlic. There won’t be any leftovers at your next cookout, guaranteed!
Yes, a charcoal grill can be used as a smoker to infuse your food with delicious smoky flavors. Here are some tips for smoking on your charcoal grill:
Set up a Two-Zone Fire
The most useful way to set up your charcoal grill for smoking is to create a two-zone fire. Arrange the coals on one side of the charcoal grate and leave the other side empty, giving yourself two heat zones. One will have direct heat and the other will have indirect heat.
Soak Wood Chips
Soak wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This will ensure that they smolder and smoke rather than flame up. Drain the wood chips before adding them to the grill.
Use a Water Pan
For recipes that involve more than 30 minutes of cooking time, place a water pan on the empty side of the charcoal grate. Fill the pan about three-quarters of the way with water. The pan will catch any juices and fat from the food, and the water will absorb and release heat slowly, evening out the temperatures and adding moisture to the smoking process.
Control Airflow
The grill vents control the airflow. The more air flowing into the grill, the hotter the fire will grow and the more frequently you will have to replenish it. To minimize this, keep the lid closed as much as possible. The vents on the bottom of the grill should be left open whenever you are cooking, but to slow the rate of your fire’s burn, close the top vent partially.
By following these tips, you can turn your charcoal grill into a smoker and enjoy the delicious flavors of smoked food at home.
Can I use charcoal briquettes for smoking?
Yes, you can use charcoal briquettes for smoking. However, it is recommended to use hardwood charcoal or hardwood briquettes, as they don't produce any unwanted aromas in the early stages of burning. If you are using standard charcoal briquettes, make sure they are fully lit before adding them to the fire, as partially lit briquettes can affect the taste of the food.
How often should I replenish the charcoal while smoking?
The frequency of replenishing the charcoal will depend on the recipe and the desired cooking time. If you are using a small bed of charcoal for smoking, you may need to add more charcoal over time, especially for recipes that require longer cooking times. Monitor the temperature of the grill and add more charcoal as needed to maintain the desired heat.
How do I clean the grill after smoking?
After smoking, allow the grill to cool completely. Remove the ashes from the bottom of the grill using a grill brush or a gentle sweep. Clean the cooking grates with a grill brush to remove any residue or food particles. For a deeper clean, you can also wash the cooking grates with warm soapy water.
Can I use wood chunks instead of wood chips for smoking?
Yes, you can use wood chunks instead of wood chips for smoking. Wood chunks are larger pieces of wood that burn slowly and release smoky flavors. They are ideal for longer smoking sessions. If using wood chunks, there is no need to soak them in water before using them in the grill.
With these tips and techniques, you can confidently smoke chicken on a charcoal grill and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors in your homemade barbecues. Experiment with different wood chips and seasonings to create unique and delicious smoked chicken dishes. Happy grilling!
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