Do You Love to Grill in Summers?

Grilling is one of the best options to have a perfect weekend or to make any picnic more fun. Many people love to grill in summers and the recipes vary according to their choices.

One of the best items to grill is chicken as it is easy to cook and loved by everyone. It has a lot of proteins which makes it perfect to eat.

Grilling chicken on a gas grill or on a charcoal grill may have different durations. Well if you ask how long does it take to cook chicken on a charcoal grill? Then it all depends on two things: one is the size of chicken including the bone content while the other factor is the temperature of the grill.

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.

The other element is the temperature of your BBQ. The lower the temperature, the more time you will need.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Chicken on a Charcoal Grill?

Well, chicken needs to be seared before you put it on the grill. It takes 30 minutes for a chicken to marinate. Once it is marinated, approximately it will take 30 minutes on the grill to cook. So all together you need one hour to cook chicken on a charcoal grill.

Your chicken is done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. As always, allow your chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This rest time is essential to allow the chicken to finish cooking and the juices to redistribute evenly.

How to Cook Chicken on a Charcoal Grill

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

WHEN IT’S DONE: 165 degrees Fahrenheit

 Ingredients Required

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sauce or glaze

Directions to Follow

Step1 -Fire up the grill

If you want to grill chicken the make a two-zoned medium-hot fire. Light a pile of about 100 briquets. When the coals are ready then arrange them into a two-zone fire.  Replace the top grate, and allow the grill to heat up with all vents fully open. Just before placing the chicken on the grate, dip a folded paper towel in cooking oil and oil the entire grate using long-handled tongs. This will prevent the skinless breasts from sticking to the grate.

Step 2- Marinate the Chicken

As we know that the boneless chicken skin dries out easily. So it is good if you marinate it before cooking. For basic margination combine ¼ cup salt to four cups water, and soak the chicken breasts for 30 minutes to an hour in a gallon-size plastic zipper bag. If you choose not to brine or marinate, simply season to your liking.

Step 3-Grill the Chicken

It is now time to put the chicken on the hot side of the grate directly above the coals. Sear each side of the breast for three to four minutes, turn it only one time until it is golden brown. In case the frill flares up move away from the chicken from the coals temporarily. When the breasts are properly browned, move them to the warm, or indirect, side of the grate. Replace the lid and, if using a grill thermometer, bring the temperature up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4- Add sauce

You can also add any sugar-based sauce or glaze it to the chicken. But remember to do it in the last ten minutes of cooking. Slather a layer of sauce or glaze on one side of the chicken breasts, close the lid for five minutes to let the sauce bake on, then open the lid, turn the breasts, and repeat the process.

Step 5-Check for Doneness

There are two ways to check whether the chicken is done or not. One of the surest and safest methods is to use a digital meat thermometer, insert the tip of the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken breast and when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit then remove the chicken from the grill. The other way is to cut the chicken and have a look if it is white from inside without a rubbery texture and also the juices should run clear. However, this method will release some of the juices.

Step 6- Serve the Chicken

When the chicken is ready then put it on a cutting board or any platter. Loosely cover them with foil, and allow them to “rest” for five minutes to allow the juices to settle back into the meat. After cooking chicken breasts on the grill, keep them warm until serving — at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter.

Can We Modify the Seasoning on This Recipe?

Yes, we can modify the seasoning. You can add a sprinkle of garlic powder. In case you are sodium conscious, then omit the salt and use any of your favorite salt-free seasoning blends.

You can even marinate chicken before cooking them. After pounding it, simply add your marinade and let it sit for 2-4 hours. If you marinate it for more time, then it will begin to break down the proteins in the chicken and negatively affect the texture. Nobody wants that.

What Can We Serve With Grilled Chicken

You can serve the following healthy items with grilled chicken.

• grilled corn
• steamed broccoli
• sweet potato fries
• creamy potato salad
• fruit salsa
• microwave mashed potatoes
• grilled vegetables

To Wrap it Up

Chicken has become one grilling standard. The secret step to grill a perfect chicken is to sear it before putting it on the grill. Chicken is a good source of protein and it is also low in fat and sodium especially when you prepare it without skin, also it is one the easiest foods to cook. Many people love to grill chicken as it is safe and healthy especially when they are expecting guests as it does not take much time to grill.