How Long Does it Take to Grill Chicken Quarters?

Are you searching for the perfect time for how long it takes to grill chicken quarters? Well! The cooking time will depend on the type of grill and the thickness of the meat. It is amazing to know those grilling chicken quarters are an excellent choice for a busy weeknight.

It takes only minutes to prepare and makes a tasty and nutritious meal for the whole family. Chicken quarters could be a great option if you want to try something new or different for your family.

In this blog, we will share an exciting recipe for grilled chicken quarters. And yes! The most important thing is to discuss the perfect cooking time for them. So let’s start with this.

How Long Does it Take to Grill Chicken Quarters?

Here we will discuss the exact cooking time required for grilling chicken quarters and some other cooking tips.

• The cooking time will depend on the type of grill and the thickness of the meat. A 3 to 4-pound whole chicken usually takes 45 minutes to cook thoroughly.
• All you have to do is cook chicken on medium heat for 20 minutes, turn and cook for another 20 minutes, and then turn again and grill for 15 more minutes (for thighs). Another 20 minutes will be sufficient if your chicken is boneless.
• Remember to turn chicken often, and don’t forget to cover it with aluminum foil as it helps your chicken stay moist and juicy.
• To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (away from the bone). The ideal temperature for chicken should be 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grilled Chicken Quarters

We will now discuss a delightful recipe for cooking grilled chicken quarters and all the required ingredients and instructions required.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Cajun spice (or your favorite spice blend)
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 4 to 6 chicken quarters legs
• 1/4 cup olive oil (splashed onto the chicken’s skin to prevent it from burning and to flavor it as well).
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill on medium heat. Generously rub cajun spice or your favorite spice blend (along with the chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder) on both sides of the chicken.
2. After spraying olive oil onto the chicken’s skin, add lemon juice to it and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Once the grill temperature reaches 350 Fahrenheit, place the chicken on the grill along with its marinade.
4. Use a brush and baste the chicken with any leftover juices (from before basting) to prevent it from drying out and making it tougher.
5. Cook for 15 minutes, turn over and cook for another 15 minutes, and then turn again to slather more marinade on both sides.
6. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, and then turn again.
7. Now, cook for at least 45 minutes or until the internal temperature is 170 Fahrenheit.
8. Allow your chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving it with your favorite sides (i.e., corn, barley, etc.) and, of course, with the bbq sauce.
9.  Enjoy this grilled chicken, and feel free to try different varieties!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I remove the chicken skin before cooking?

One of the most asked questions about cooking chicken quarters is whether or not you need to remove the chicken skin before cooking.

The answer to this question is yes and no. No, if you aim to make the chicken crispy, yes, if you want it to remain juicy and moist. Removing the skin from the chicken might cause it to dry out a little faster than expected.

Removing the skin from the chicken quarters also makes it a bit too tough to eat, along with bones and meat.

Q: What should I do if my chicken turns out dry?

The best way to avoid dry chicken while cooking is to cover it with aluminum foil and keep it in the oven.

You need to baste it often to remain juicy, moist, and tender on the inside. In case you forgot to cover your chicken with aluminum foil, then you can add some water or broth (low sodium) to your pan for extra moisture.

Q: How long do chicken leg quarters last?

It is recommended to freeze them for up to six months. But make sure that you wrap the chicken well in the freezer wrap and transfer them directly from the refrigerator.

Some people even freeze them without any wrapping, which could cause bacterial growth with time. Therefore, please do not keep the chicken quarters in the fridge for more than a week as they will dry out quickly.

Q: What happens when chicken is not cooked thoroughly?

The main risk when cooking chicken quarters is that they turn out dry. It is important to keep in mind that the meat of a chicken continues to cook even when it has been removed from heat.

You can prevent your grilled chicken quarters from becoming drier than usual by covering them with aluminum foil and then basting them with the leftover marinade.

So that’s all for this blog. Hope you get all the queries clear about how long it takes to grill chicken quarters. Grill them now and enjoy!