How To Grill BBQ Chicken Skin Or Skinless

Grilling BBQ chicken is a delicious and popular choice for many people during the summer months. Whether you prefer your chicken with the skin on or skinless, there are a few key tips and techniques to ensure that your grilled chicken turns out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. In this article, we'll explore the best methods for grilling both skin-on and skinless BBQ chicken, so you can enjoy a delicious meal that's sure to impress your friends and family.

Grilling BBQ Chicken with Skin:

When grilling BBQ chicken with the skin on, it's important to take certain steps to ensure that the skin gets crispy and flavorful, while the meat remains tender and juicy. Here's how to do it:

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, prepare the chicken by seasoning it with your favorite BBQ rub or marinade. This will help to infuse the chicken with delicious flavor as it cooks.

2. Direct Heat: Place the chicken pieces on the grill, skin side down, over direct heat. Allow the skin to cook for a few minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy. This will help to render the fat and create a delicious, crunchy texture.

3. Indirect Heat: Once the skin is crispy, move the chicken pieces to the cooler, indirect heat side of the grill. This will allow the meat to cook through without burning the skin. Close the lid and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Resting: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and juicy.

Grilling BBQ Chicken Skinless:

If you prefer to grill skinless BBQ chicken, the process is slightly different, but just as delicious. Follow these steps for perfect skinless grilled chicken:

1. Preparation: Season the chicken with your favorite spices or marinade. Since there is no skin to protect the meat, adding flavor through seasoning is crucial for delicious results.

2. Direct Heat: Place the skinless chicken pieces on the grill over direct heat. Since there is no skin to protect the meat from direct heat, it's important to keep a close eye on the chicken and flip it regularly to prevent burning.

3. Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, consider using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the grill once it reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Resting: As with skin-on chicken, allow the skinless chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled BBQ Chicken:

• Marinating: Marinating the chicken before grilling can add flavor and moisture to the meat, especially if you're grilling skinless chicken.
• Temperature Control: Keep a close eye on the grill temperature and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.
• Flipping: Whether grilling skin-on or skinless chicken, flipping the pieces regularly can help to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Sauces: If you enjoy saucy BBQ chicken, consider basting the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. This will add a delicious glaze and extra flavor to the chicken.

By following these tips and techniques, you can grill BBQ chicken with or without the skin to perfection. Whether you prefer the crispy texture of skin-on chicken or the simplicity of skinless chicken, grilling your chicken on the BBQ is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this classic dish. With a few simple steps and a bit of attention to detail, you can create a mouthwatering meal that's sure to be a hit at your next cookout.