May
We’ve got a few tip on how to make the best BBQ chicken this year.
How long should I cook chicken for on the BBQ?
This depends, chicken has both white and dark meat which need to be cooking for different lengths of time to get them right. The dark meat generally has more flavour but takes longer to cook, while white is a more delicate flavour but will quickly become dry if overcooked. Obviously check to make sure juices are running clean (and there is no pink bits!)
The more bones a piece of chicken has, the longer it will take to cook. The drumstick and thighs, for example, have the biggest bones and will take the longest to cook compared to other parts.
Average cooking times for various cuts of chicken
- Chicken breast, boneless, skinless – 6 – 8 ounces will take between 8 to 12 minutes over direct medium heat (350° F)
- Chicken breast, bone-in – 10 – 12 ounces – 30 to 40 minutes over indirect medium heat
- Leg or thigh, bone-in – 30 to 40 minutes over indirect medium heat
- Thigh, boneless, skinless – 4 ounces – 8 to 10 minutes over direct high heat (450 – 650° F)
- Chicken wings – 2 -3 ounces – 18 to 20 minutes over direct medium heat
- Whole chicken – 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 lbs – 1 1/2 to 2 hours over indirect medium heat
Should I rest my BBQ chicken before serving?
YES!! After the intense heat of the BBQ, resting the chicken helps redistribute the juices inside the flesh. We’d suggest a min of 15 minutes rest time before serving.
How can I make crispy BBQ chicken?
There are a couple of ways. You can cover the chicken in a flavoured salt before cooking to help make a crispier skin, and the salt and aromatics permeating the meat means perfectly seasoned chicken. You can put butter under the skin (chicken breast) to trap it against the meat and baste it during cooking – this helps to keep the meat juicy. Keeping the skin on is a great way to protect the delicate skin underneath whilst on the BBQ.
Can I cook chicken on the bone on the BBQ?
Bones conduct the heat and help push and distribute it through the meat and they also help stop the meat drying out, so yes they are great on the BBQ, Just ensure the chicken is cooked through (no pink bits!)
Happy BBQing! Don’t forget we have our great value essentials BBQ meat box, and our standard BBQ meat box. Both full of deliocus BBQ meats, perfect for all the family.
