How to bbq chicken on a gas grill

Introduction

Grilling is an art, and when it comes to preparing delicious, perfectly grilled chicken, gas grilling is a convenient and effective way to achieve juicy, flavorful results. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or just craving grilled chicken, mastering this skill can elevate your culinary game. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process: from choosing your ingredients to grilling techniques and serving suggestions.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The first step to perfect grilled chicken is selecting the right cuts. You can choose from a variety of options, including:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: They provide more flavor and remain juicy during grilling.
• Chicken breasts: A leaner option that can dry out if not careful. Consider marinating or brining to enhance moisture.
• Legs and drumsticks: Great for grilling thanks to their flavorful dark meat.
• Whole chicken: For the adventurous, grilling a whole chicken can produce stunning results and is a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Selecting Chicken:

• Freshness: Select chicken that is bright pink or pale yellow; avoid dark or gray spots.
• Quality: Whenever possible, choose organic or free-range chicken for better flavor and ethical farming practices.

Marinades and Seasoning

Marinating chicken not only enhances flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. A good marinade typically consists of the following components:

• Acid: Help tenderize the chicken, such as citrus juice, vinegar, or yogurt.
• Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil helps to lock in moisture and flavor.
• Herbs and spices: Use fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion powder, paprika, or paprika.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.

Example Marinade Recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Combine ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag.
  2. Add chicken and ensure it’s well-coated.
  3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).

Prepping the Grill

Before you even begin grilling, it’s crucial to prepare your gas grill correctly.

Steps for Prepping Your Gas Grill:

1. Clean the grill grates: Use a grill brush to remove any residue from previous cooking.
2. Preheat the grill: Turn on the gas and ignite the burners. Preheat for about 10-15 minutes until the temperature reaches around 400°F (204°C). This helps create those beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking.
3. Oil the grates: You can use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil, held with tongs, to wipe down the grates lightly. This further helps to prevent sticking.

Grilling Techniques

Direct Heat Grilling

Most chicken cuts benefit from direct heat grilling. This method involves cooking the chicken directly over the flames.

• For boneless chicken breasts: Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For bone-in thighs/legs: Grill skin-side down for about 7-10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 20-30 minutes, depending on size. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Indirect Heat Grilling

This technique is useful for larger cuts, such as a whole chicken. To use this method:

1. Turn on only one side of the grill.
2. Place the chicken on the opposite side away from the flame.
3. Close the lid and allow it to cook slowly.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Perfect Grilling:

• Avoid Overcrowding: Give each piece space to allow for even cooking and air circulation.
• Flip Sparingly: Only flip the chicken once or twice to achieve even grill marks and maintain juices.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: This is crucial in ensuring that the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked.

Letting it Rest

Once your chicken is beautifully grilled, it’s important to let it rest. Place the cooked chicken on a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve mastered grilling chicken, it’s time to serve it:

• Pair it with sides: Consider serving with coleslaw, corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, or potato salad for a full barbecue experience.
• Add sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a zesty chimichurri.
• Garnish: Add fresh herbs or sliced lemons to enhance the presentation.

Bonus Ideas:

• Chicken Tacos: Shred the grilled chicken and serve in taco shells with avocado, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
• Salads: Slice the grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a lighter option.

 

The Importance of Marinades

Why Marinade?

Marinating chicken not only enhances its flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Acidic components in marinades, like vinegar or citrus juices, break down proteins, resulting in a more tender and juicy bite. Additionally, a good marinade can help the meat to retain moisture during cooking, preventing it from drying out on the grill.

Basic Marinade Components

A well-balanced marinade typically consists of three main components:

1. Acid: Vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, or wine. These help to tenderize.
2. Oil: Olive oil or vegetable oil create a barrier, sealing in moisture and enhancing flavor.
3. Flavorings: Herbs, spices, garlic, and onion add depth and complexity.

Easy Marinade Recipes

Classic BBQ Marinade

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients and marinate chicken for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best results.

Tropical Citrus Marinade

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Zest of one lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Let the chicken marinate for at least 2-3 hours to absorb the citrusy goodness.

Spicy Chipotle Marinade

• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

This marinade adds a spicy kick and complex flavor. Allow for a minimum of 1 hour marinating time.

Grill Temperature and Setup

Preheating Your Grill

Proper grilling temperature is crucial for cooking chicken evenly and retaining moisture. Preheat your gas grill for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking. Aim for a medium heat, around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C).

Two-Zone Grilling Technique

Using a two-zone cooking method on your gas grill allows for greater control. One side should be set to high heat for searing, while the other remains on medium heat for cooking through. This method helps to caramelize the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

Direct vs. Indirect Heat

• Direct Heat: Great for smaller chicken cuts like wings and thighs. Cook these directly over the flames for a nice sear and flavorful crust.
• Indirect Heat: Best for larger cuts like whole chickens or bone-in breasts. After searing, move the chicken away from direct flames and close the lid, allowing it to cook evenly without burning.

Timing is Everything

Recommended Cooking Times

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: 6-8 minutes per side (total: 12-16 minutes)
• Bone-in Chicken Breasts: 8-10 minutes per side (total: 16-20 minutes)
• Chicken Thighs (bone-in): 10-12 minutes per side (total: 20-24 minutes)
• Whole Chicken: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on size

Using a Meat Thermometer

The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked and juicy is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding bone) to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for all poultry.

Letting it Rest

Once cooked, allow your chicken to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This rest period redistributes juices throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Conclusion

With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be well on your way to mastering gas grill BBQ and preparing perfectly grilled chicken every time. Remember to experiment with different marinades, techniques, and sides to make your grilled chicken unique. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound grilling skills, and enjoy the satisfying flavor of a deliciously grilled chicken masterpiece! Happy grilling!