How Long to Cook Chicken on a Charcoal Grill for Perfectly Juicy Results

Cooking chicken on a charcoal grill can lead to incredibly moist, flavorful results when done right. However, it can also quickly dry out or burn if you don’t know what you’re doing. Mastering cooking times and temperatures is key to grilling chicken successfully.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grilling times for various cuts of chicken on a charcoal grill. You’ll learn foolproof techniques for perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Overview of Cooking Chicken on a Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grilling is a classic way to cook chicken. The dry, high heat helps make a nice sear and adds a tasty smokey flavor. Key advantages of charcoal grilling include:

• Enhanced flavor from the charcoal
• Ability to reach higher temperatures for better browning
• Versatility in setup for direct or indirect grilling

But cooking over an open flame can also make chicken dry out quickly. Monitoring temperatures and cooking times is crucial.

Here are some best practices when grilling chicken on charcoal

• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness based on safe internal temperatures. This is more reliable than eyeballing it.
• Create direct and indirect heat zones on your grill to allow both searing and slower cooking.
• Watch for flare-ups from dripping fat and have a spray bottle on hand.
• Allow chicken to rest before serving for juicier meat.

Now let’s get into specific grill times for different cuts of chicken.

Grilling Times for Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for the grill. However, the lean meat dries out quickly if overcooked. Follow these tips:

• Grill boneless breasts over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until just cooked through.
• Monitor temperature and pull them at 160°F, allowing carryover cooking to 165°F for safety.
• For bone-in breasts, grill over direct heat 6-8 minutes per side.

The bone adds insulation to keep meat juicy. Cook to 165°F

• Pound thicker breasts to 1⁄2-inch for faster, more even cooking. Reduce grill time to 2-3 minutes per side.

Grilling Times for Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue, making them harder to overdry. Grill them:

• Boneless thighs: Over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side until 165°F.

• If you have bone-in thighs, sear them over direct heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking. Cook to 175°F.

The bone protects meat and keeps it tender.

Grilling Times for a Whole Chicken

A whole chicken requires indirect grilling to cook through without burning.

• Grill a 3-4 pound chicken over indirect medium heat for 50-60 minutes total.

• Target 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh. Turning halfway helps cook evenly.

• Spatchcocking or butterflying the chicken reduces cook time. Grill 30-40 minutes over indirect heat.

Grilling Times for Chicken Wings and Legs

Chicken wings and legs cook quickly over direct heat. Grill:

• Wings for about 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally. Cook until skin is crispy.

• Drumsticks and legs around 20-25 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes. Cook to 175°F.

The skin helps keep these cuts juicy. Crisp up the skin over direct heat.

Grilling Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Apply these tips for flawlessly grilled chicken every time:

• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures. This avoids over or undercooking.

• Create direct and indirect heat zones to sear then gently cook.

• Bring chicken to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.

• Keep a spray bottle on hand to control flare-ups from rendered fat.

• Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes after grilling, allowing juices to redistribute for a juicier finish.

• Lightly oil the grill grates for easier release when flipping chicken.

If you learn these best practices, you’ll be able to serve juicy, tasty chicken off of your charcoal grill all summer long. If you need a reminder of when to grill, this guide is here for you.

With the right techniques, charcoal grilling can take chicken from bland and dry to wonderfully smoky, tender, and delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades and rubs too. Get outside and fire up the grill to enjoy backyard chicken worthy of any cookout. Happy grilling!