How To Grill Chicken On Charcoal With No Barbeque Sauce

Grilling chicken on charcoal can be a delicious and satisfying way to prepare a meal. While many people enjoy the flavor of barbeque sauce on their grilled chicken, there are also plenty of options for those who prefer to skip the sauce. Whether you're looking to avoid the added sugars and calories in traditional barbeque sauce or simply want to try something different, grilling chicken on charcoal with no barbeque sauce can result in a flavorful and juicy dish that's sure to please your taste buds.

Preparing the Chicken

Before you start grilling, it's important to properly prepare the chicken. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose the Right Cuts: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken. The bone and skin help the chicken stay moist and flavorful during grilling.

2. Season the Chicken: Create a simple seasoning blend using ingredients like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any other herbs and spices you enjoy. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat them evenly.

3. Let It Rest: Allow the seasoned chicken to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and retain its juiciness.

Preparing the Charcoal Grill

Grilling chicken on charcoal requires a bit of preparation to ensure the coals are at the right temperature and the grill grates are clean. Follow these steps to get your charcoal grill ready:

1. Light the Charcoal: Use a chimney starter to light your charcoal. This method is efficient and doesn't require the use of lighter fluid, which can leave a chemical taste on the food.

2. Wait for the Coals to Heat Up: Once the charcoal is lit, allow it to burn until the coals are covered with a light layer of ash. This indicates that they are at the ideal temperature for grilling.

3. Clean the Grill Grates: While the coals are heating up, take the time to clean the grill grates with a wire brush. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates during cooking.

Grilling the Chicken

Now that the chicken is seasoned and the charcoal grill is ready, it's time to start grilling. Follow these steps for perfectly grilled chicken with no barbeque sauce:

1. Create Indirect and Direct Heat Zones: Push the hot coals to one side of the grill to create a two-zone fire. This allows you to sear the chicken over direct heat and then finish cooking it over indirect heat.

2. Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces skin-side down over the direct heat zone. Sear them for a few minutes on each side until they develop a nice golden-brown color and crispy skin.

3. Move to Indirect Heat: Once the chicken is seared, move it to the indirect heat zone of the grill. Cover the grill and let the chicken cook through until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Let It Rest: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled chicken without barbeque sauce pairs well with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Consider serving it with:

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob make delicious and healthy side dishes for grilled chicken.

• Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can complement the smoky flavors of the grilled chicken.

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the grilled chicken alongside fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa for a satisfying and balanced meal.

• Fruit Salsa: Prepare a vibrant fruit salsa using diced mango, pineapple, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice. This colorful salsa adds a burst of freshness to the grilled chicken.

In Conclusion

Grilling chicken on charcoal without barbeque sauce is a flavorful and healthy alternative to the traditional saucy approach. By properly seasoning the chicken, preparing the charcoal grill, and following the grilling techniques outlined above, you can achieve succulent and delicious grilled chicken that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or simply craving a taste of the outdoors, this method of grilling chicken is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So fire up the grill, get creative with your seasonings, and enjoy the mouthwatering results of grilling chicken on charcoal with no barbeque sauce.