how to cook chicken grillers

3 min read 29-01-2025

Chicken grillers, also known as chicken quarters or pieces, are a versatile and affordable way to enjoy grilled chicken. This guide will walk you through how to cook perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken grillers every time, whether you're using charcoal, gas, or even an indoor grill.

Getting Started: Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken: Look for chicken pieces that are plump, firm, and have a light pink color. Avoid any packages with discoloration or unpleasant odors. Fresh chicken is preferable, but frozen works well too – just ensure it's fully thawed before grilling.

Preparing the Chicken: Pat the chicken grillers dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the skin crisp up nicely. Then, generously season the chicken. A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works wonders. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices based on your preference. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the refrigerator) in your favorite marinade.

Grilling Methods: Charcoal, Gas, and Indoor Grills

Charcoal Grilling: The Classic Method

Prepare the Grill: Light your charcoal grill and allow it to heat up to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F). You should see a consistent layer of white-grey ash on the coals.
Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Use tongs to apply a high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken grillers skin-side down on the hot grates. Avoid overcrowding the grill; leave some space between the pieces for even cooking.
Cooking Time: Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Gas Grilling: Convenient and Consistent

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F).
Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates as you did with charcoal grilling.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken grillers skin-side down on the hot grates. Maintain even spacing between the pieces.
Cooking Time: Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Indoor Grilling: Grilling Year-Round

Indoor grills offer a convenient way to enjoy grilled chicken anytime. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for preheating and cooking times. Generally, the process is similar to gas grilling, but cooking times may be slightly shorter.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken

Don't overcrowd the grill: Overcrowding lowers the temperature and leads to uneven cooking.
Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Let the chicken rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
Experiment with marinades and seasonings: Get creative with different flavor combinations!
Clean your grill grates: Cleaning your grill grates after each use helps prevent sticking and ensures long-lasting performance.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled chicken grillers are incredibly versatile. Serve them with your favorite sides, such as:

Grilled vegetables: Onions, peppers, zucchini, and asparagus all pair well with grilled chicken.
Salads: A fresh salad adds a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavor of the chicken.
Potato salad or coleslaw: Classic barbecue side dishes.
Rice or pasta: Simple and satisfying accompaniments.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked and delicious chicken grillers! Remember to always prioritize food safety and handle chicken with care.