How Long Does Chicken Take on the BBQ? A Guide to Perfectly Grilled Poultry

A classic summer activity is grilling chicken on the grill, but it can be hard to get the cook time just right. If you cook your chicken too long, it will be dry and tasteless. If you cook it too short, you could get food poisoning. So how long does it really take to grill chicken until it’s juicy and flavorful? Read on for the full answer.

Factors That Affect Chicken Grill Times

Several key factors impact how long chicken takes to cook on the BBQ

Type of Cut

• Chicken breasts grill faster than thighs Bone-in pieces take longer than boneless

• Breasts: 6-8 mins per side

• Thighs: 8-10 mins per side

• Drumsticks: 10-15 mins, rotating frequently

• Whole chicken: 1.5-2 hours indirect heat

Thickness

• Thicker cuts of chicken require more grill time than thinner pieces to cook through.

Bone vs Boneless

• Bone-in chicken needs more time than boneless pieces. The bone partly insulates the meat, slowing cooking.

Grill Temperature

• Cook time decreases at higher temperatures. Use medium-high heat (375°F-450°F) for best results.

Direct vs Indirect Heat

• Direct heat cooks faster. Ideal for smaller cuts like breasts.

• Indirect heat is slower but more even. Better for whole chickens.

Marinades and Rubs

• If you use acidic marinades like lemon juice or vinegar, the meat will start to cook faster on the grill.

• Dry rubs add flavor without affecting cook time.

Recommended Chicken Grill Times

Now let’s look at estimated grill times for different chicken cuts:

Chicken Breasts

• Boneless breasts: 6-8 mins per side
• Bone-in breasts: 8-10 mins per side

Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. For the best results, pound the meat to a uniform thickness before grilling.

Chicken Thighs

• Boneless thighs: 8-10 mins per side
• Bone-in thighs: 10-12 mins per side

Cook until 165°F internally. The bone may require slightly longer time.

Chicken Legs and Drumsticks

• 10-15 minutes total
• Rotate frequently for even cooking
• Cook to 165°F

Whole Chicken

• 1.5-2 hours using indirect heat
• 325-375°F grill temperature

Check temperature at thickest part of breast and thigh for doneness.

Chicken Wings

• 20-25 minutes
• Flip occasionally
• Cook until 165°F

Tips for Perfectly Cooked BBQ Chicken

Follow these tips for flawlessly grilled chicken every time:

• Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F, which is a safe temperature. Insert into thickest area, avoiding bone.

• Allow resting time – Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cutting. This allows juices to redistribute for a moist, flavorful meal.

• Marinate for added flavor – Soak chicken in an acidic marinade for 30+ minutes before grilling. Try yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, or wine.

• Use indirect heat – Indirect heat distributes temperature more evenly. Ideal for larger cuts and preventing dryness.

• Watch for flare-ups – Move chicken away from direct flames if grill flares up to prevent burning.

• Rotate pieces – Turn chicken frequently, especially bone-in cuts, for even exposure to heat on all sides.

Troubleshooting: What If My Chicken Is Over or Undercooked?

It happens to all of us. Follow these tips if your barbecue chicken didn’t turn out quite right:

Overcooked Chicken

• Dry, stringy texture
• White meat dries out faster

Solutions:

• Use a meat thermometer to catch it sooner
• Avoid direct heat for the entire cook time
• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness

Undercooked Chicken

• Pink or red juices
• Meat is still pink
• Doesn’t reach 165°F

Solutions:

• Double check internal temp with thermometer
• Move to hotter part of grill
• Cook a bit longer, watching carefully

Mastering the grill times for chicken takes some trial and error. But understanding what factors impact cook times, using a thermometer, and applying proper techniques will set you up for succulent BBQ chicken success. With the right preparation, even novice grillers can achieve restaurant-quality results in their own backyard. Get out there and put your newfound knowledge to flavorful use!