Unlock The Secrets: How To Gas Grill Chicken Like A Pro – A Step-by-step Guide
What To Know
- To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Whole chicken is a great option if you’re looking for a hearty meal, while chicken pieces are a good choice if you’re looking for something a little more convenient.
Grilling chicken is a staple of summer cooking, and for good reason. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. But if you’re new to grilling, you might be wondering how to get started. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gas grilling chicken, from choosing the right chicken to cooking it to perfection.
Choosing the Right Chicken
The first step to grilling chicken is choosing the right type of chicken. There are two main types of chicken that are commonly grilled: whole chicken and chicken pieces. Whole chicken is a great option if you’re looking for a hearty meal. Chicken pieces, such as breasts, thighs, and wings, are a good choice if you’re looking for something a little more convenient.
When choosing chicken, look for pieces that are plump and have a healthy pink color. Avoid chicken that is bruised or has a slimy texture.
Preparing the Chicken
Once you’ve chosen your chicken, it’s time to prepare it for grilling. This involves rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. You can also season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices.
If you’re grilling whole chicken, you’ll need to truss it. This will help the chicken cook evenly. To truss a chicken, simply tie the legs together with kitchen twine. You can also tie the wings to the body.
Setting Up the Grill
Before you start grilling the chicken, you need to set up your grill. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered in white ash.
Once the grill is preheated, brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Grilling the Chicken
Now it’s time to grill the chicken! Place the chicken on the grill grates and cook it for about 10 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through. Whole chicken will take longer to cook than chicken pieces.
To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Resting the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful.
Serving the Chicken
Grilled chicken can be served in many different ways. You can serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, potatoes, or vegetables. You can also use grilled chicken in salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
Tips for Grilling Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible. This will help the chicken cook more evenly.
- Baste the chicken with your favorite sauce or marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help the chicken stay moist and flavorful.
Wrapping Up: The Art of Perfectly Grilled Chicken
Grilling chicken is a skill that takes time and practice to master. But with a little patience and the right techniques, you can grill chicken that is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. So fire up your grill and get started!
Popular Questions
- What is the best type of chicken to grill?
Whole chicken and chicken pieces are both good choices for grilling. Whole chicken is a great option if you’re looking for a hearty meal, while chicken pieces are a good choice if you’re looking for something a little more convenient.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- What are some tips for grilling chicken?
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible. This will help the chicken cook more evenly.
- Baste the chicken with your favorite sauce or marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help the chicken stay moist and flavorful.