Introduction
Grilling chicken on a gas grill should be a breeze, right? Well, it can be, but not always. In this article, we will guide you through the process of grilling chicken breast to perfection every time. From seasoning and marinating to grilling techniques, we’ve got you covered.
How to Cook Chicken on a Gas Grill without Burning
To start off, let’s talk about the essentials. Preparing your grill is crucial for achieving the juiciest chicken. Make sure to clean your grill grates thoroughly. We recommend using the Citrusage Grill Care Kit, which effortlessly removes grime and ensures non-stick grilling.
Once your grill is clean, preheat it to medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes. This step is essential for avoiding undercooked chicken. If you’re grilling different-sized chicken pieces, create indirect heat by keeping one side of the grill at a lower temperature.
Before grilling, oil up the grates by rubbing them with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Now, your grill is hot, oiled, and ready to go!
Grilling Chicken Breast
For perfectly grilled chicken breast, aim for 5-8 ounce pieces. If your chicken breasts are larger, butterfly them down the middle to ensure even cooking. Pound the thickest parts to achieve uniform thickness.
Start by placing the chicken presentation side down on the grill over medium-high heat. Leave the lid open for 3-4 minutes to allow the marinade’s sugar content to caramelize and create those iconic grill marks. Then, give the chicken a quarter turn and grill for another 3-4 minutes with the lid open. Pay attention to the grill temperature and adjust if necessary.
After the initial cooking time, flip the chicken over and close the lid. Cook for approximately 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit. As the chicken rests, it will continue cooking and reach the recommended 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grilling Chicken Thighs
Grilling chicken thighs is similar to grilling chicken breasts. The thighs’ darker meat and higher fat content make them naturally juicy. For boneless chicken thighs, grill each side for 5-6 minutes. If using bone-in thighs, grill each side for 12 minutes, starting with the skin side down.
If you feel the chicken is getting too done or overly browned, move it to a cooler part of the grill or use a top rack if available.
Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove them from the grill at 155 degrees Fahrenheit, cover with foil, and let them rest to reach the desired temperature.
Simple Tips for Seasoning & Marinading Chicken
Chicken doesn’t have to be bland. Proper seasoning and marinades can take your chicken from ordinary to extraordinary! Here are some spice and seasoning blends to keep in your pantry:
Spices to Keep on Hand:
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
Dry Rub + Seasoning Blends to Keep on Hand:
- Lemon Pepper (zest your own lemon and grind black pepper for fresher flavor)
- Montreal Seasoning
- Smokehouse Maple Seasoning (a personal favorite!)
- Montreal Chicken Seasoning
For wet rubs, combine a dry rub with a bit of oil, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce to create a flavorful coating.
Wet Marinades to Keep on Hand:
- Dale’s Seasoning (a crowd-pleaser for quick and tasty chicken)
- Italian Dressing (ideal for overnight marinades)
- All-purpose marinade (a blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon)
Simple Steps for Seasoning Your Chicken
When you bring the chicken home, remove it from any packaging and season it with your preferred blend or a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, store the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in butcher paper until you’re ready to use it.
Allow the chicken to absorb the flavors by marinating it for at least 24 hours when using spice blends or dry rubs. If using a wet rub or highly acidic marinade, adjust the marinating time accordingly. Be cautious not to over-marinate with acidic marinades, as it can lead to mealy chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you keep chicken from burning on a grill? Lightly oil the clean grill grates, preheat the grill properly, and brush a light coating of oil on the chicken.
- What is the best way to cook chicken on a gas grill? Grill the chicken over medium-high heat (about 350˚-425˚) for 6-8 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚.
- How do you keep chicken moist on a grill? Use a grill brush to “paint” some of the marinade or barbecue sauce on the chicken as it grills. Drizzling a little olive oil or melted butter after grilling also helps retain moisture.
Grilled Chicken Recipes to Try
- Sloppy Joe Sauced Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Buffalo Ranch Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Greek Grilled Chicken
- Tuscan Lemon Chicken
- Caesar Dip (great as a marinade or salad dressing!)
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