Tips On How To Grill Chicken On Charcoal Grill

If summer is finally here, this means it’s time to dust off the charcoal grill, gather your friends and family, and fire up some delicious meals.

But before you throw those chicken breasts on the grill, take a minute to learn how to grill chicken on a charcoal grill like a pro.

In this short and sweet guide, we’ll show you all the tips and tricks you need to know to cook up the juiciest, tastiest chicken you’ve ever had.

So grab your tongs, turn up the heat, and get ready to impress everyone with your grilling skills.

How To Grill Chicken On Charcoal Grill

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve juicy, flavorful grilled chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

It’s crucial to prepare your chicken before you start grilling.

The chicken should first be well-cleaned and dried with paper towels.

After that, season the chicken with the marinade and spice mixture of your choice.

Seasoning your chicken is where you can get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.

You can use a dry rub or a wet marinade, depending on your preference.

For a dry rub, you can use a mixture of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other herbs or spices that you like.

For a wet marinade, you can use ingredients like lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs.

To achieve uniform flavor, massage the chicken with the marinade and spices all over.

Step 2: Prepare the Charcoal Grill

First things first, get your grill ready by cleaning the grates and making sure there are no ashes or other leftovers from prior use.

Then, make a pile of charcoal briquettes in the center of the grill, allowing room on each side for indirect cooking.

Step 3: Clean and oil the grill grates

It’s crucial to clean and oil the grill grates before adding the chicken to avoid the meat sticking.

To clean your grill grates of any remaining dirt, use a grill brush.

After that, coat the grates with a light layer of cooking spray or vegetable oil using a paper towel or brush.

This will assist to make the surface non-stick and making it simpler to turn and remove the chicken from the grill.

Step 4: Light the Charcoal

The charcoal briquettes should now be lit. To start the charcoal burning, use lighter fluid or a chimney starter.

Follow the directions on the container carefully and let the charcoal burn until the flames go out and the coals become white if using lighter fluid.

If using a chimney starter, fill it with charcoal and ignite it from the bottom by inserting a piece of crumpled newspaper or a lighter cube.

Pour the coals onto the grill when they have fully lit and are covered with white ash.

Step 5: Set up a two-zone fire

Grilling chicken on a charcoal grill effectively involves creating a two-zone fire.

Divide your grill into two areas by putting all the hot coals on one side and leaving the other side empty to achieve this.

This will start a two-zone fire that will enable you to cook the chicken on the hotter side of the grill for the first few minutes before turning it over.

By using this technique, you may help keep the chicken from drying out or scorching.

Step 6: Place the Chicken on the Grill

Place the chicken on the grill once it has been seasoned and heated up.

Place the chicken away from the embers on the indirect side of the grill.

By doing this, you may avoid scorching the chicken and ensure even cooking.

Close the lid and let the chicken cook for about 15–18 minutes.

Step 7: Flip the Chicken and Continue Grilling

Use tongs to delicately rotate the chicken pieces over after around 12 to 15 minutes.

To avoid sticking and adding moisture, brush a little oil on the chicken.

Close the cover and keep the chicken on the grill for an additional 12 to 18 minutes, or until it is well cooked and reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside.

Step 8: Check the internal temperature

It’s crucial to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer.

165 °F (74 °C) is the minimum safe temperature for chicken.

Make sure not to touch the bone when you insert the thermometer into the thickest section of the chicken.

Continue cooking the chicken if it is below 165 °F until it reaches a safe temperature.

Step 10: Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill

Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill when it has finished scorching.

Depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces, cook the chicken thoroughly on the grill for 10 to 18 minutes.

The chicken will cook more uniformly and stay moist thanks to this procedure.

Step 11: Rest the chicken before serving

When the chicken reaches the right temperature, take it from the grill and give it a moment to rest before serving.

A juicy and tender chicken will emerge from this redistribution of the liquids.

The liquids may escape if the chicken is cut into right away after cooking, leaving the meat dry and rough.

Learn more about tips for cooking on a charcoal grill.

Precautions

Here are some precautions to take when grilling chicken on a charcoal grill:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Clean the grill grates with a wire brush before adding the chicken. This removes any debris that could stick to the chicken and potentially cause foodborne illness.
3. Oil the grill grates before adding the chicken. This helps to prevent sticking and ensures that the chicken develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 °F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure that it doesn’t touch the bone.
5. Flip the chicken frequently to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides. This helps to prevent any hot spots on the grill from causing uneven cooking.
6. Use long-handled tongs to handle the chicken. This helps to prevent burns and ensures that you can safely and easily move the chicken around on the grill.
7. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby in case of flare-ups. Flare-ups can cause the chicken to burn or char, potentially causing harmful compounds to form.
8. Cover the grill with a lid to help trap heat and smoke. This creates an oven-like environment that can help the chicken cook more evenly and quickly.
9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the chicken stays moist and flavorful.

Learn more about charcoal grill safety tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare the chicken for grilling?

Before grilling the chicken, you should rinse it thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

You can also marinate it with your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to enhance its flavor.

How do I start the charcoal grill?

To start the charcoal grill, you will need to arrange the charcoal in a pyramid shape at the bottom of the grill and use lighter fluid or a chimney starter to light it.

Wait for the charcoal to turn grayish-white in color before spreading it out in an even layer.

How do I control the temperature of the grill?

To control the temperature of the grill, you can adjust the vents on the bottom and top of the grill to regulate the airflow.

Opening the vents will increase the heat while closing them will decrease it.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, you can oil the grates with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil or cooking spray before placing the chicken on the grill.

You can also flip the chicken once the surface has developed grill marks.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

To know when the chicken is done, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

The chicken should reach 165 °F (75 °C) in the thickest part of the meat.

Avoid piercing the chicken with a fork to prevent the juices from escaping.

Learn more about cooking raw chicken in the microwave.

How do I serve the grilled chicken?

To serve the grilled chicken, you can let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing it into pieces.

You can garnish it with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or your favorite sauce.

Grilled chicken pairs well with various sides such as roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or potato salad.

Learn more about the symptoms of undercooked chicken.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken can be a delicious and healthy way to prepare this popular protein, but it can also be a bit intimidating for beginners.

With these tips and tricks, you can master the art of grilling chicken on a charcoal grill in no time.

So fire up the grill, grab your tongs, and get ready to savor the flavor of perfectly grilled chicken!